From Ground Zero

Children with names written on their arms or legs to identify them in injury or death, digging in rubble for loved ones while calling out their names, sleeping on concrete, packed bags ready for the escape, buzzing sound of military drones overhead like ceaseless industrial drills, burning door frames for cooking, rushing in and out and back again, flashbacks to when your love is alive, lines for the toilet, water, and food in the camp, bodies in bags, and the future slipping through your hands.

22 short films bearing witness to the mass killing, starvation, sickness, trauma, sorrow, suffering, and bombing of the people of Gaza, but also testimonies to the struggle to survive and doing so with dignity and hope. The films are in various styles including documentary, hybrid, drama, animation, essay, and experimental art therapy.

"I believe in cinema and that it can bring about change," said Rashid Masharawi, one of the primary drivers behind the film. He was present at this North American premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. "We tell our own stories here, from the inside, how people are dealing with daily life, and with real emotion." There was a three-minute pause in the middle of the film and an active listener available to help us process the raw, heart wrenching images and testimony. "We are all on the same boat," said Masharawi "trying to do our best."

Sunlight on the sea, beckoning dreams, dancing, kites in the sky, encouraging stories, little joys like tea, music, drawing, singing of love and hope, laughter, awakenings, and wishes for happy and beautiful lives.

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.

These short films go under your skin and really touch your heart. I have left the cinema speechless and overwhelmed. It creates a deep connection to the people who live in a complete different world. They have to endure the hardest fate, that I could have never been able to imagine. But they will never give up. They are teaching us loving, hoping, caring, griefing, appreciating, cheering, sharing, living, and invite us reminiscing the good old days. That is everything they can do for us.

For the sake of humanity we need to tell their stories around the world. That is the least we can do for them.

This set of short films highlight the fact that not only that art is necessary, but required even during a live stream destruction on life.

It shows that Gaza has a culture of art and filmmaking that continues and adapts with the on going wars they have had to endure.

The fact that as a world we have allowed this continue is not addressed but watching this begs to ask what is wrong with us? Why do we allow this to continue?

Every single short film builds on the beauty of the people, shows they skills they continue to cultivate and surfaces the resilience of the Palestinian people in a way that no other film could do.

"From Ground Zero" is an emotionally gripping and profoundly essential film that demands the attention of audiences worldwide. Through its vivid and unflinching portrayal of life amidst devastation, it sheds light on the untold stories of resilience, despair, and unwavering hope. This powerful cinematic work immerses viewers in the raw realities of systemic injustice and human suffering, compelling us to confront the devastating cost inflicted by a war mongering entity on these innocent lives. The film is more than a documentary; it is a stirring call to action, urging us to reflect on our shared humanity and the pressing need for compassion and change.

With poignant storytelling and an unfiltered lens, it presents a brutally honest account of the lived experiences of those too often overlooked by the world or the reality on the ground that is hidden and discredited by bad actors around the world. It challenges viewers to see beyond headlines and statistics, to recognize the faces, dreams, and struggles of people who endure unimaginable hardships at the hands of a cruel force. As a testament to the enduring human spirit and a condemnation of apathy, From Ground Zero: Stories from Gaza is a wake-up call to confront the greatest injustice in our time and to advocate for a world built on dignity, empathy, and justice. This film is not just a viewing experience; it is a profound and necessary reckoning.