Problems in Middle East universal: Tawfeek Barhom

Noted Israeli-Arab actor Tawfeek Barhom has said the problems in the Middle East are "universal" and people anywhere in the world face the same issues.
"Problems in the Middle East can be seen everywhere in this world. It is not just the problem of Israel or Palestine. It is the problem of humanity in general," the actor said on the sidelines of the ongoing 19th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) here.
Israeli movie 'Dancing Arabs', in which he essayed the role of an Arab teenager facing an identity crisis in Israel, was screened as the inaugural movie in the week-long movie gala on Friday.

"We have screened 'Dancing Arabs' in many venues and people there could easily connect to them as they are also facing such problems in one way or the other," he said.
Directed by eminent director Eran Riklis, the movie is set against the backdrop of socio-political developments of Israel during the 1990s.
It unfolds through the life of Eyad, a smart village boy

hailing from a moderate Arab family who gets admission in a Jewish boarding school in Jerusalem.
Barhom, who essayed the role of Eyad, said the film is relevant in any time though it is set in the period of 1990s.

"The movie tells about the present situation though it is
set in the backdrop of the 1990s. Same things are happening there even after more than a decade," he said.
Stating that the movie was his own life story to an extent, the young actor said everyone should get an opportunity to live together peacefully in the land.
Barhom also said he wished to be a filmmaker in future and planned to direct a short film next month.