Palestinian filmmaker features moving collection from Gaza

Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi showcases 'From Ground Zero', a collection of 22 short films shot by filmmakers inside the Gaza Strip.

The film, which was presented at the Taormina Film Festival in Italy, features the current dire conditions in Gaza and the resilience of its people through the lens of art.

Masharawi, who hails from Gaza, told the media that he decided to provide an opportunity for Palestinian filmmakers amidst the deadly conflict in Gaza.

He said, "I'm going to give the chance to the Palestinian filmmakers and filmmakers who are in Gaza now, sharing what’s going on with people."

The director added that he aimed to portray untold personal stories while providing technical and artistic training for the filmmakers in Gaza.

Coordinating with the French production company Coorigine Productions and producer Laura Nikolov, Masharawi faced significant challenges retrieving footage from Gaza due to logistical issues and limited resources.

Incorporating 22 films into one work was a huge editing challenge because “no one shoots with the same camera," he said.

Masharawi also emphasized the importance of cinema in his life and its role in portraying the Palestinian experience.

"Cinema must be not only a reaction; it should be an action. Palestinians, we are a nation. We have history [and] language ... We have many things, which belong to us," he said.