Made in Gaza: From Ground Zero gives voice to filmmakers trapped in war zone

It is hard to imagine a more challenging environment for shooting a film than the devastated and besieged Gaza Strip in 2024. But that is the setting for a groundbreaking new anthology by Palestinian filmmakers.

A collection of 22 short films by artists on the ground in Gaza, From Ground Zero is a landmark in Palestinian filmmaking, serving as a testament to life under Israel's relentless military campaign in the besieged territory, which began in October 2023.

Curated by renowned Palestinian director, Rashid Mashawari, the collection has had a successful global tour and was selected as the launch title for this year’s Bristol Palestine Film Festival, opening it on 30 November.

Mashawari’s 1996 film Haifa was the first Palestinian production to be officially selected at the Cannes International Film Festival. 

He then founded The Cinema Production and Distribution Centre in Ramallah, dedicating years to organising mobile cinemas and workshops.

Read more: Made in Gaza: From Ground Zero gives voice to filmmakers trapped in war zone