Dead Sea film center seen

Israel plans to create an international film center at the Dead Sea. Vice Premier Shimon Peres, whose portfolio includes regional cooperation efforts, announced this week that the new cultural center would open in Kibbutz Ein Gedi with a view to encouraging joint Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian film projects. The first stage of construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2008, with an initial government investment of $250,000. Slated to administer the center is veteran Israeli film director Amos Gitai.