El Gouna Film Festival to present special program WINDOWS ON PALESTINE

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Bye Bye Tiberias, directed by Lina Soualem

VERDICT: The program explores the intricate and interconnected fabric of human experiences, stories, and lives in Palestine.

El Gouna Film Festival offers Window on Palestine, showcasing a collection of films that delve into the heart of Palestinian narratives. The carefully curated selection sheds light on the challenges faced by a resilient people, inviting audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the human experiences within Palestine.

Window on Palestine invites audiences to peer into the unseen lives and untold stories. Through this program, most of which was curated in collaboration with the Palestine Film Institute, El Gouna Film Festival aims to amplify the unfiltered narratives that deserve to be heard, offering a platform for voices that have long been overlooked. This special section underscores the festival’s commitment to supporting the just cause of the Palestinian people.The films featured in the program span a range of compelling stories.

Ambulance
Directed by Mohamed Jabaly
The film delivers a raw, first-person account of the last war in Gaza in 2014, uncovering the stories behind the recurring violence.

Bye Bye Tiberias
Directed by Lina Soualem
Capturing the personal journeys of four generations of daring Palestinian women, each influencing the world despite their dispersed identity.

Condom Lead
Directed by Arab & Tarzan Nasser
Taking a comedic approach to the Gaza War, while showcasing the challenges faced by a married Palestinian couple attempting intimacy amidst disruptive Israeli shelling.

Drawing for Better Dreams
Directed by May Odeh
Presenting the struggles of Palestinian children in the Occupied Territories and how they cope with life with their crayon drawings, highlighting the power of allowing young people to hope and dream.

Bab el shams
Directed by Yousry Nasrallah
This epic adaptation narrates the story of the people of Palestine, spanning fifty years of history, suffering, hope, and love.

Not Just Your Picture
Directed by Anne Paq & Dror Dayan
Follows the devastating journey of German-Palestinian siblings seeking justice for their family after an Israeli airstrike on Gaza.

Roof Knocking
Directed by Sina Salimi
This film provides insight into the paradoxical reality in Gaza, prompting viewers to contemplate preservation amidst constant threats.

Shujayya
Directed by Mohammed Almughanni
A typical family in Gaza is thrown into disarray after bombing attacks destroy their home.

The Teacher
Directed by Farah Nabulsi
The film delves into the daily frustrations and the rage experienced by Palestinians and illustrates the impact of living in a setting where individuals with firearms dictate what you can or cannot do, how you may or may not live your life.

To My Father
Directed by Abdelsalam Shehadeh
Explores Palestinian and Arab history, reflecting on the transformative power of photography.

In a statement, Festival Director Intishal Al Timimi emphasized the significance of Window on Palestine “Through these compelling films, we aim to open a window into the rich and complex tapestry of Palestinian life. It is our hope that these stories will resonate with audiences, fostering empathy and understanding. By providing a platform for these voices, we contribute to a broader conversation about the shared human experiences that connect us all.”

In a discussion accompanying the film program, ‘Camera in Crisis: A Lens on Palestine’ will explore the intricate landscape of filmmaking in Palestine. The session will feature esteemed filmmakers Rashid Mashharawi, Najwa Najjar, Khalil Al Mozian and Gaza-born actor Ahmed Al Munirawi, who will share their firsthand experiences, shedding light on the unique challenges faced during the filming process, especially in crisis situations prevalent in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. The discussion will be moderated by Mohammed Almughanni, offering an insightful journey into the resilience and determination of filmmakers navigating adversity to bring powerful narratives to the screen.
Speaking about the film screenings and the proposed discussion, Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director GFF said “The inclusion of the ‘Window on Palestine’ program in this special edition of GFF serves as a potent demonstration of our festival’s commitment to amplify the voices of Palestinians through the lens of cinema. This programme offers to its audiences a unique opportunity to unearth or revisit the nuanced Palestinian narratives portrayed on the screen and engage in meaningful discussions, with filmmakers who will be able to make it to El Gouna”.

El Gouna Film Festival runs Dec. 14 – 21