All Films

From Ground Zero

Special Screening

Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of the 2023 attacks, this project brings together 22 short films created by filmmakers from Gaza. Each film, ranging from 3 to 6 minutes, offers a unique and personal lens into life in Gaza under siege. The project provides an intimate and poignant portrayal of the human experience in a war-torn enclave, where survival, loss, and hope coexist in fragile balance. Through the perspectives of both seasoned and emerging filmmakers, the collection captures the raw emotions and everyday struggles of life under occupation, giving voice to those whose stories are often silenced.

Covering a variety of genres—including fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental cinema—the films explore universal themes such as resilience, displacement, family, and the human spirit’s capacity to endure. Despite the severe challenges faced during production, from restricted resources to the constant threat of violence, the filmmakers managed to create a powerful anthology that highlights the vibrant artistic scene in Gaza. The project stands as both a testament to the filmmakers' perseverance and a reflection of the collective experience of a people enduring unimaginable hardship, capturing moments of beauty, pain, and defiance.

About the Directors

Rashid Masharawi is a renowned Palestinian filmmaker known for his commitment to documenting life in Palestine through film. Born in Gaza, Masharawi has directed numerous films that have been screened at international film festivals, earning awards and critical acclaim. His works often focus on the human experience of living under occupation, using both documentary and narrative storytelling to highlight the resilience and spirit of the Palestinian people. With ‘From Ground Zero’, Masharawi extends his commitment to giving a platform to emerging voices from Gaza.

Credits

Director

Rashid Mashharawi

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