From Ground Zero - 22 short films made in Gaza Presented by the NYUAD Film and New Media Program

A screening of From Ground Zero, a collection of 22 short films made in Gaza, accompanied by a live conversation with director Rashid Masharawi

From Ground Zero is a compelling project that brings together 22 short films created by talented filmmakers from Gaza. Launched by Rashid Masharawi, a renowned Palestinian filmmaker, the initiative was born against the backdrop of conflict and aims to provide a platform for young artists to express themselves through their craft.

Each film, ranging in length from 3 to 6 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 the harsh filming conditions, Gaza's vibrant artistic scene shines through this collection, offering an intimate and powerful portrait of daily life and the enduring spirit of its people.

Lineup
Part 1
1. Reema Mahmoud – SELFIE (7’49)
2. Muhammad Al Sharif – NO SIGNAL (4,19)
3. Ahmed Hassouna - SORRY CINEMA (6’56)
4. Islam Al Zeriei – FLASHBACK (5’21)
5. Mustafa Kolab – ECHO (2’32)
6. Nidal Damo – ALL IS FINE (4’29)
7. Khamis Masharawi - SOFT SKIN (7’54)
8. Bashar Al Balbisi – CHARM (4’12)
9. Tamer Nijim – THE TEACHER (5’15)
10. Ahmed Al Danaf - A SCHOOL DAY (3’09)
11. Alaa Islam Ayoub – OVERLOAD (3’52)

Part 2
1. Karim Satoum - HELL’S HAVEN (4’47)
2. Alaa Damo - 24 HOURS (6’02)
3. Aws Al Banna - JAD AND NATALIE (3’13)
4. Rabab Khamis – RECYCLING (3’15)
5. Etimad Washah – TAXI WANISSA (4’48)
6. Mustafa Al Nabih – OFFERINGS (4’43)
7. Hana Eleiwa – NO (7’31)
8. Wissam Moussa – FARAH AND MYRIAM (5’43)
9. Basel El Maqousi – FRAGMENTS (3’24)
10. Neda’a Abu Hasna – OUT OF FRAME (6’51)
11. Mahdi Kreirah – AWAKENING (4’53)


Biographies

Rashid Masharawi
Rashid Masharawi, a self-taught filmmaker, has been a pivotal figure in Palestinian cinema. He started his career in the film industry at eighteen and has since made significant contributions to cinema, especially regarding the Palestinian narrative and experiences under occupation.
He founded the Cinema Production and Distribution Center (CPC) in 1996 in Ramallah, which has been instrumental in nurturing young Palestinian filmmakers and bringing cinema to refugee camps through initiatives like the Mobile Cinema and the “Kids Film Festival”.

The Masharawi Fund
The Masharawi Fund strives to foster the growth of cinema, contributing to resilience and creativity while crafting a narrative that transcends borders and resonates globally, spotlighting the burgeoning artistic vitality in the heart of Gaza.

Believing in the profound impact of images and films on the portrayal of life and experiences that shape the representation of people, the fund provides an opportunity for Gazans to share their stories from within, ensuring that their daily lives, dreams, and experiences are presented to the world.

To achieve this goal, the fund collaborates with international, Arab, and Palestinian film institutions and individuals, fostering cultural exchange and sharing expertise across all stages and facets of filmmaking. Moreover, the fund is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of young and talented individuals by offering financial support and training across various areas of the filmmaking art and industry. Additionally, it supports the development of technical and artistic teams to produce high-quality cinematic works.