Palestinian director Hany Abu-Assad on West Bank drama Omar

Hany Abu-Assad is the celebrated director behind Paradise Now, the first Palestinian film ever nominated for an Academy Award. Now Abu-Assad is back with Omar, a psychological thriller set in the West Bank. 

Co-host Gill Deacon speaks to the director about why he sees Palestinian-led cinema as a cause, why he's not thinking of international audiences when he makes his films, and a love story and a political drama fit so well together.

"What is the feeling of paranoia under occupation, and how does it look similar to the paranoia when you are in love?"  

Scenes from Omar

Here are two clips from Abu-Assad's film to give you a feel for the tone of the movie and introduce you to its protagonist.