Director Hany Abu-Assad wanted to portray reality

Paradise Now, filmed predominantly in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, details the lives of two friends preparing an attack in Tel Aviv.

It is based on interrogation transcripts of failed suicide bombers.

The contentious film is in competition for the festival's prestigious Silver and Gold Bear awards.

The film follows long-time friends Said, played by Kais Nashef, and Khaled, played by Ali Suliman, as they plan an attack on Israeli soldiers.

Extreme decisions

The attack is foiled when a military patrol arrives after Said and Khaled break through a security fence and the pair become separated.

The film includes footage of the friends shooting a video explaining why they are carrying out the attacks, along with a scene which depicts the men "wired up".

Palestinian-born director Hany Abu-Assad said: "They are human, whether you like it or not, even the suicide bombers are human. They make extreme decisions in an extreme situation

"The concept of the film was to make fiction in a 100% reality. To shoot in the place while it's happening, this is why it looked so authentic, but at the same time it's a film."

Abu-Assad, also co-wrote the film, which was made in collaboration with Dutch, French, Palestinian and German producers.