New Salt + Light documentary, Across the Divide,
explores antidotes for anger and violence in the Holy Land

TORONTO, February 1, 2012 - Salt + Light Television, a leader in Catholic media, is putting the final touches on a documentary that has been quietly underway since 2009. Shot on location in the Palestinian Territories and Israel, and edited in North America, Across the Divide is a compelling new documentary that offers viewers a glimpse of hope for the plight of Christians in the Holy Land.

The 60-minute documentary sheds light into the lives of students and faculty at Bethlehem University, the first university established in the West Bank and first Catholic university in the Holy Land. The campus is home to more than 3000 students, most of whom are of Christian or Muslim background.

"Across the Divide tells the remarkable, provocative story of the first Catholic Institution of Higher Learning in Palestine. Against all odds, Bethlehem University has become a school of justice and peace in the Holy Land, and a real bridge among many different groups of people: Arab and Israeli, Christian, Muslim and Jew," says Father Thomas Rosica, CSB, CEO of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation. "In a part of the world that has known so much conflict, animosity, monologue and despair, the Catholic Church's presence through Bethlehem University has offered a model of peace, friendship, dialogue and hope for the world."

The trailer, launched today, is available here: saltandlighttv.org/acrossthedivide

Across the Divide will premiere this spring on Salt + Light Television and is co-directed by Kris Dmytrenko and Richard Valenti.

Media contact: Daniel Torchia, 416-275-2151, [email protected]
Christopher Ketelaars, 416-892-1729, [email protected]

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About Salt + Light
Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation is a charitable organization devoted to spreading the light of Christ through modern and mass media — television, internet, radio, documentaries and other forms of social communication. Born on the wings of World Youth Day, Salt + Light harnesses the energy, zeal and idealism of youthful communicators to help identify, produce and share stories of hope and the teachings of the Church with the world.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Salt + Light producers or Father Thomas Rosica can be available for interviews or commentary.