There have been several excellent documentaries focusing on Palestine and Israel’s occupation of it in the past year or so (Israelism, No Other Land, The Bibi Files), and one of them is now getting a wider release thanks to Michael Moore. The documentarian has signed on as an executive producer on From Ground Zero: Stories from Gaza, which was shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Unlike many other documentaries focused on the topic, the film is an anthology (comprising 22 shorts) that comes directly from Palestinian filmmakers living through the genocide in Gaza. Director Rashid Masharawi produced and supervised the film.
“These Palestinian filmmakers have accomplished a cinematic miracle,” said Moore in a press release. “They have made a brilliant film in the midst of what Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have now declared a genocide. The only weapons that Rashid and these 22 courageous Palestinian directors in Gaza have are their cameras and their creativity. No filmmaker, writer, or artist should ever have to tell the story of their own extermination. It’s an honor to stand in solidarity with them and help share their stories with the world.” The film opens on Jan. 3, 2025. You can find theaters and showtimes here. Check out the trailer below:
Director Rashid Masharawi expressed his gratitude and excitement, stating, “The team is both humbled and thrilled to be shortlisted. With Michael Moore’s involvement, we are even more empowered to portray the humanity and resilience of Palestinians, share their creativity with the world, and showcase the power of cinema as a force for justice and understanding.” Masharawi set up a dedicated committee to select the short films pitched for inclusion, “giving priority to personal, original stories that focused on the project’s overall message.”
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Once selected, Masharawi and the committee worked with the filmmakers to ensure their vision was properly brought to life. Tutors based in the Middle East and Europe supervised the projects, while experienced coordinators on the ground in Gaza ensured the technical and human resources needed for filming. The full synopsis for From Ground Zero reads as follows:
“22 Palestinian filmmakers living through war capture their lives in Gaza over the past year, revealing stories beyond the headlines. Their work offers a striking view of life’s fragility and the resilience of love in the face of devastation. Each film, ranging in length from three to six minutes, presents a unique perspective on the current reality in Gaza. The project captures the diverse experiences of life in the Palestinian enclave, including the challenges, tragedies, and moments of resilience faced by its people.”
“Using a mix of genres including fiction, documentary, docu-fiction, animation, and experimental cinema, From Ground Zero presents a rich diversity of stories that reflect the sorrow, joy, and hope inherent in Gazan life. Despite harsh filming conditions, Gaza’s vibrant artistic scene shines through this stunning anthology film, which offers an intimate and powerful portrait of daily life in modern-day Palestine — and the enduring spirit of its people.”
From Ground Zero will be released Jan. 3, 2025, from Watermelon Pictures, and is produced by the Masharawi Fund for Films and Filmmakers in Gaza and Coorigines Production.
The 22 Short Films That Comprise ‘From Ground Zero’
Reema Mahmoud – “Selfie”
Reema Mahmoud, a Palestinian film director specializing in women’s and youth issues, has directed over twenty films. With a BA in Media and Communication and diplomas in Palestinian Studies and film production, she has won several awards, including the 2020 Creative Woman Award and the 2021 Best Short Film Award.
Muhammad Al Sharif – “No Signal”
Muhammad Al Sharif, based in Gaza, holds a Business Administration degree and a Cinema Diploma. He is an actor and director, known for the short film Min Wen Lawen, hosting Shobak Al-Balad, and acting in Chi Ann Blaze of Fury. He has extensive training in acting, cinematography, and film production.
Ahmed Hassouna – “Sorry Cinema”
Ahmed Hassouna, a film director under siege and bombardment in northern Gaza, was a cinema buff before the war, passionately working in the industry, following it, and studying it closely. He made many feature and short films, earning the nickname “Cinema Marathon” due to his restless pursuit of cinematic art.
Islam Al Zeriei – “Flashback”
Islam Al Zeriei, born in Gaza, is a skilled TV and documentary filmmaker with a diploma in TV Arts from Palestine College. She has extensive experience in video and photo editing, and has worked with various organizations including Ashtar for Theatre Productions and the Women’s Affairs Center. Al Zeriei is proficient in Adobe software and active in media advocacy.
Mustafa Kolab – “Echo”
He was born in September 1972. He is a professional with fifteen years of experience in the production of animated films. He uses animation methods for psychosocial interventions with children. He ran the Fekra Arts Institute in Gaza for ten years and worked in theatre productions.
Nidal Damo – “All is Fine”
Nidal Damo, born in 1971 in Nuseirat, Gaza, is a theatre director and actor. He directed several children’s plays and acted in notable works like All is Well and Sarah. He holds a BA in Social Work from Al-Quds Open University and trains in drama and psychological
support.
Khamis Masharawi – “Soft Skin”
Khamis has worked on numerous films in the field of decoration. He is a set designer and children’s animation trainer. He is one of the founders of the Fekra Foundation in Gaza, which trains children to engage with the film industry as a form of art therapy.
Bashar Al Balbisi – “Charm”
Bashar Al Balbisi, a Palestinian from Gaza, is an accomplished dance trainer. He coordinates cultural initiatives and choreographs performances, specializing in traditional and contemporary dance. With experience in educational and cultural institutions, he actively promotes Palestinian heritage through dance and community engagement.
Tamer Nijim – “The Teacher”
Born in Gaza in 1991, Tamer is a theatre and television artist at Ashtar for Theatre Productions and Training. He holds a BA in Media from Al-Azhar University and a diploma in Acting and Theatre Training. He has participated in numerous local and international theatre productions and festivals.
Ahmed Al Danaf – “A School Day”
Ahmed Al Danaf, born in Gaza in 1999, is a Palestinian videographer and photographer. He holds a degree in Multimedia from Al-Azhar University and has worked with numerous media organizations including the BBC, ABC News, and Oxfam. Ahmed specializes in documentary filmmaking and media production.
Alaa Islam Ayoub – “Overload”
Alaa Islam Ayoub, a Gaza-based content writer and filmmaker, holds a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy from IUG. Experienced in SEO, literary content, and documentary scripts, Alaa also works as a podcast host and voiceover artist, contributing to various media and academic projects.
Karim Satoum – “Hell’s Haven”
Karim Satoum was born and lives in Gaza. He has taken many courses in theatre and has been working as an actor for five years. He has taken part in many plays. Heaven’s Hell
is his first short film.
Alaa Damo – “24 Hours”
Alaa Damo, a Palestinian from Gaza, has a BA in Public Relations. With seven years’ experience in the arts, he specializes in therapeutic art for children and has worked extensively with local institutions to promote creative expression and peace building through the arts.
Aws Al Banna – “Jad and Natalię”
Aws Al Banna, 26, from Gaza, is a television and theatre actor, drama teacher, playwright, and director. He studied theatre and his notable works include the series Milad Al-Fajr, Shuhud, and Darb Al-Fida and plays such as Al-Ramadiyun and Rashomon Gate. He has received awards for his children’s theatre projects.
Rabab Khamis – “Recycling”
Rabab Khamis, born in Gaza in 1997, is a multimedia specialist with a diploma in digital media. She has directed children’s plays and worked as a drama and psychological support trainer. Khamis has acted in various productions and has skills in Adobe, Microsoft Office, CorelDRAW, and others.
Etimad Washah – “Taxi Wanissa”
Based in Gaza, Palestine, Etimad Washah was the Video Program Coordinator at the Women’s Affairs Centre (2001-2018). She is a director of documentary and fiction films on women’s issues, a trainer in cinematography and editing, and has directed women’s film festivals and student film projects.
Mustafa Al Nabih – “Offerings”
Mustafa, a Palestinian writer and director, has published novels and plays, directed 25 plays for children and adults, and created numerous documentaries. He has collaborated with various international channels, won 25 awards, and served as a jury member in many film festivals.
Hana Eleiwa – “No”
Hana, a passionate journalist from Gaza City, is the founder and director of Hana Agency, specializing in visual, audio, digital and multimedia services. She manages the digital channel Hona Al Dafa, advises The Al-Fakhoura\Project, and lectures at the University College of Applied Sciences.
Wissam Moussa – “Farah and Myriam”
Wissam, born in 1981 in Deir Al Balah, Gaza, is a Palestinian filmmaker and public relations manager at Fursan Al Erada Radio. He has directed several acclaimed films, including 15 in Gazafor Al-Jazeera English, and has participated in numerous international film festivals and conferences.
Basel El Maqousi – “Fragments”
Born in Gaza in 1971, Basel is a visual artist and freelance photographer. He studied art at the YMCA Gaza and attended the Daratal Fununsummer academy. Winner of the Charles Asprey Award and a UNESCO scholarship, he has exhibited internationally and teaches at the Jabalia Rehabilitation Society.
Neda’a Abu Hasna – “Out of Frame”
Neda’a, an experienced Palestinian news editor and presenter, holds a Masters Degree in Audiovisual and Cinema from Carthage University and a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication from Al-Aqsa University. She has extensive experience in radio, film, and news editing.
Mahdi Kreirah – “Awakening”
Mahdi is a puppet maker and puppeteer who runs a puppet theatre in Gaza. He has produced many plays for children and his productions have been featured on many television programs. He conducts workshops for children to train them in puppet-making and puppeteering.
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