Despite the devastation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the first Gaza International Festival for Women’s Cinema was held in Deir Al-Balah from October 26th to 31st. The organisers wanted to “highlight the cinematic narratives experienced by women” in the Gaza Strip.
During the opening ceremony, the Palestinian Authority’s Minister of Culture declared in a video message: “On this day dedicated to Palestinian women, we celebrate their strength, dignity and essential role in our collective memory. Despite the ruins, you manage to revive culture and beauty.”
The first day took place in a camp for displaced persons with a screening of Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab. Following the screening, many messages of solidarity were broadcast, including one from Palestinian film-maker Michel Khleifi.
The Palestinian Journalists’ Union made its headquarters available for the event. Several Palestinian and international partners supported the project, including Italian organisations such as the Archivio Audiovisivo del Movimento Operaio e Democratico and the Festival di cinema e donne.
Sources: Cineuropa, Cinema Tunisien, GIFWC
