In reference to article titled “Egypt festival launches barrage against Israeli film published on Oct. 8.

Dear editor, I don t think Cairo International Film Festival s committee should have refused the Israeli film at all. I think this decision defies completely the purpose of making films. Filmmakers use the art of film making to help create a better understanding between cultures rather than alienate each other. As a filmmaker, this decision has bothered me. Any film festival should embrace the art. What s the point of saying 31st Cairo Film festival if films are not going to be screened?I feel it s important to be tolerant and learn to accept differences. Look at things that are common among us as humans and not focus on our differences.

Something else: If we re not going to listen, read and watch and just say no to everything, then we re not challenging ourselves. It s easy to say no, don t show; but it s more challenging to accept it, go to the cinema and watch it for two hours and then be asked to say your opinion. Nagham OsmanWriter/Documentary filmmaker

Dear editor, I totally agree [that Egypt should refuse cultural normalization with Israel] but I disagree with on the life of the late Dictator played by Israeli actor Yigal Naor. There shouldn’t be an opinion or description about a person whoever he is. No editorializing in a news article.

Maha Abu Saa Palestinian living in EgyptWriter/ Marketeer

These comments have been obtained from Daily News Egypt online group on Facebook.com. Weigh in the vibrant online discussions and get your voice heard.