.jpg)
.jpg)
El Gouna Film Festival explores Palestinian cinema beyond headlines
Israa Radaydeh, Jordan News
- +
- -
As Israel’s war on Gaza
rages on, the preservation of art, culture, language, and history becomes even
more prominent in preserving Palestinian culture, cinema is one of those
avenues. This year, at El Gouna Film Festival, the festival took more than just
showcasing diverse films but emerged as a potent advocate for justice and a
platform for the unheard. اضافة اعلان
Festival organizers decided to dedicate a substantial part of its program to films under the banner “Window on Palestine” which is not just a strategic move, but a powerful sentiment of solidarity.
The carefully curated selection, crafted in collaboration with the Palestine Film Institute, is a deliberate attempt to throw open a window into the often-unseen lives and untold stories within Palestine. “Window on Palestine” is not your typical film showcase—it is a narrative rebellion, an effort to amplify voices that have long been stifled and overlooked. The festival, through this program, embraces its role as a catalyst for change, offering a stage for stories that have been obscured by the shadows of political agendas.
The films chosen for this program transcend the ordinary, diving deep into the heart of Palestinian narratives. Mohamed Jabaly's "Ambulance" courageously unravels the harrowing tales of the 2014 Gaza war, providing a raw, unfiltered perspective on the recurring violence. Lina Soualem's "Bye Bye Tiberias" weaves a tapestry of generational experiences, spotlighting the resilience of Palestinian women despite the challenges posed by a dispersed identity.
In a surprising twist, Arab & Tarzan Nasser’s "Condom Lead" takes a comedic route to navigate the challenges faced by a married Palestinian couple during the Gaza War. May Odeh's animated short, "Drawing for Better Dreams," showcases the indomitable spirit of Palestinian children in the Occupied Territories, emphasizing the profound impact of allowing young minds to hope and dream.
Yousry Nasrallah's epic adaptation, "Bab el Shams," spans five decades of Palestinian history, weaving a tale of suffering, hope, and love. Anne Paq & Dror Dayan’s "Not Just Your Picture" follows German-Palestinian siblings seeking justice after an Israeli airstrike on Gaza. Sina Salimi’s "Roof Knocking" confronts viewers with the paradoxical reality in Gaza, urging contemplation on preservation amidst constant threats.
Each film in this program is not just a story; it is a testament to the resilience of a people who refuse to be defined by a war. Farah Nabulsi’s "The Teacher" lays bare the daily frustrations and rage experienced by Palestinians, offering a poignant portrayal of a life where every move is dictated by the wielders of firearms. Abdelsalam Shehadeh's "To My Father" explores the transformative power of photography in shaping Palestinian and Arab history.
The festival's decision to include Farah Nabulsi's "The Teacher" in this powerful lineup further solidifies the impact of the “Window on Palestine” initiative. The film, a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by Palestinians, serves as a stark reminder of the lived experiences beyond the headlines.
Beyond the screenings, the festival organized a discussion—"Camera in Crisis: A Lens on Palestine.” It features esteemed filmmakers and a Gaza-born actor who have navigated the challenging terrain of filmmaking in crises in Palestine. Moderated by Mohammed Almughanni, this discussion provided audiences with a firsthand understanding of the unique challenges faced by those committed to bringing powerful narratives to the screen.
In a statement to Jordan News, Marianne Khoury, the Artistic Director of the GFF, eloquently delineates the profound significance of the “Window on Palestine” program. Khoury emphasized, "This program not only provides audiences with a unique opportunity to unearth or revisit the nuanced Palestinian narratives portrayed on the screen but also invites them to engage in meaningful discussions."
Khoury's words resonate with the notion that, in a world often marred by borders and politics, this cinematic initiative serves as a reminder that film can function as a bridge—a window through which we can authentically comprehend the shared human experiences that bind us together.
In a departure from the traditional festival format, the GFF has taken a conscious step to redirect the spotlight onto the essence of cinema. By forgoing the usual celebrations and festive appearances, we are prioritizing the heart of this initiative—the films and the narratives they carry. This deliberate shift allows us to create a more immersive and focused environment, enabling audiences to engage deeply with the nuanced Palestinian stories unfolding on the screen. This stripped-down approach underscores the festival's dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue, free from distractions and creating an environment where audiences can truly absorb the impact of the stories being told.
Read more Entertainment
Jordan News
Festival organizers decided to dedicate a substantial part of its program to films under the banner “Window on Palestine” which is not just a strategic move, but a powerful sentiment of solidarity.
The carefully curated selection, crafted in collaboration with the Palestine Film Institute, is a deliberate attempt to throw open a window into the often-unseen lives and untold stories within Palestine. “Window on Palestine” is not your typical film showcase—it is a narrative rebellion, an effort to amplify voices that have long been stifled and overlooked. The festival, through this program, embraces its role as a catalyst for change, offering a stage for stories that have been obscured by the shadows of political agendas.
The films chosen for this program transcend the ordinary, diving deep into the heart of Palestinian narratives. Mohamed Jabaly's "Ambulance" courageously unravels the harrowing tales of the 2014 Gaza war, providing a raw, unfiltered perspective on the recurring violence. Lina Soualem's "Bye Bye Tiberias" weaves a tapestry of generational experiences, spotlighting the resilience of Palestinian women despite the challenges posed by a dispersed identity.
In a surprising twist, Arab & Tarzan Nasser’s "Condom Lead" takes a comedic route to navigate the challenges faced by a married Palestinian couple during the Gaza War. May Odeh's animated short, "Drawing for Better Dreams," showcases the indomitable spirit of Palestinian children in the Occupied Territories, emphasizing the profound impact of allowing young minds to hope and dream.
Yousry Nasrallah's epic adaptation, "Bab el Shams," spans five decades of Palestinian history, weaving a tale of suffering, hope, and love. Anne Paq & Dror Dayan’s "Not Just Your Picture" follows German-Palestinian siblings seeking justice after an Israeli airstrike on Gaza. Sina Salimi’s "Roof Knocking" confronts viewers with the paradoxical reality in Gaza, urging contemplation on preservation amidst constant threats.
Each film in this program is not just a story; it is a testament to the resilience of a people who refuse to be defined by a war. Farah Nabulsi’s "The Teacher" lays bare the daily frustrations and rage experienced by Palestinians, offering a poignant portrayal of a life where every move is dictated by the wielders of firearms. Abdelsalam Shehadeh's "To My Father" explores the transformative power of photography in shaping Palestinian and Arab history.
The festival's decision to include Farah Nabulsi's "The Teacher" in this powerful lineup further solidifies the impact of the “Window on Palestine” initiative. The film, a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by Palestinians, serves as a stark reminder of the lived experiences beyond the headlines.
Beyond the screenings, the festival organized a discussion—"Camera in Crisis: A Lens on Palestine.” It features esteemed filmmakers and a Gaza-born actor who have navigated the challenging terrain of filmmaking in crises in Palestine. Moderated by Mohammed Almughanni, this discussion provided audiences with a firsthand understanding of the unique challenges faced by those committed to bringing powerful narratives to the screen.
In a statement to Jordan News, Marianne Khoury, the Artistic Director of the GFF, eloquently delineates the profound significance of the “Window on Palestine” program. Khoury emphasized, "This program not only provides audiences with a unique opportunity to unearth or revisit the nuanced Palestinian narratives portrayed on the screen but also invites them to engage in meaningful discussions."
Khoury's words resonate with the notion that, in a world often marred by borders and politics, this cinematic initiative serves as a reminder that film can function as a bridge—a window through which we can authentically comprehend the shared human experiences that bind us together.
In a departure from the traditional festival format, the GFF has taken a conscious step to redirect the spotlight onto the essence of cinema. By forgoing the usual celebrations and festive appearances, we are prioritizing the heart of this initiative—the films and the narratives they carry. This deliberate shift allows us to create a more immersive and focused environment, enabling audiences to engage deeply with the nuanced Palestinian stories unfolding on the screen. This stripped-down approach underscores the festival's dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue, free from distractions and creating an environment where audiences can truly absorb the impact of the stories being told.
Read more Entertainment
Jordan News
