On April 2, 2004 more than 400 Wisconsin students and their teachers participated in a screening of the award-winning Palestinian film Ticket to Jerusalem at State Street's historic Orpheum Theatre with an introduction and post-film discussion led by Mary Layoun, Professor of Comparative Literature at UW-Madison. A specially developed educational curriculum was available to high school teachers to incorporate into their classes, enriching the students' learning experience.

Ticket to Jerusalem was part of the Global Film Initiative's Global Lens series, which included ten international films. With input from an advisory committee of high school educators, and representatives from UW-Madison College of Letters and Science, and Arts Institute, Ticket to Jerusalem was chosen from the series for UW's inaugural World Cinema Day.

Once the credits rolled and lights once again illuminated the Orpheum's main theatre, the visiting high school students inquired about many aspects of the film. Some sought plot clarification, others were curious about cultural markers like clothing and hookah traditions. Yet others were interested in the idea of point of view. How does the portrayal of world events compare in the United States and international journalism? Is there an Israeli cinematic tradition? How are other Palestinian films similar to or different from Ticket to Jerusalem? Catherine Reiland, event coordinator, was pleased and impressed that the students maintained a lively 45-minute question and answer period.

High school teachers or principals interested in participating may contact World Cinema Day coordinator Wendy Johnson.