Showcasing 79 Films from 28 Countries, the Festival Aims to Amplify Palestinian Women’s Voices
The inaugural Gaza International Women’s Film Festival is set to take place from October 26 to 31, 2025, in Gaza City. This cultural event features 79 films from 28 countries, including both narrative and documentary works. Organized by the Gaza International Festival for Women’s Cinema (GIFWC), the festival aims to serve as a platform for Palestinian women to share their stories with the world.
A Vision of Resilience and Representation
Dr. Ezzeldine Shalh, founder and CEO of GIFWC, emphasized the festival’s mission to highlight women’s experiences through cinema. He noted that the selection committee, led by Dr. Shalh himself, includes prominent filmmakers such as Reema Mahmoud, Nour Al-Halabi, and Mohamed Al-Sahli. Dr. Al-Sahli expressed pride in the exceptional quality of the submitted films, which depict the strength, creativity, and resilience of women facing various challenges. He extended gratitude to all filmmakers and producers who contributed their works despite the difficult circumstances in Gaza, underscoring the power of art and culture to transcend barriers.
Dr. Al-Halabi also shared her honor in being part of the festival’s review committee, describing the experience as one filled with hope and awareness. She highlighted the depth and breadth of women’s issues in Arab and regional societies, expressing belief in the importance of supporting and expanding such initiatives.
Diverse Film Selections Across Categories
Feature Narrative Films
The festival’s feature narrative film competition includes works from various countries, such as:
- Insha’Allah Walad (Jordan) – Directed by Amjad Al-Rashid
- Samia (Belgium) – Directed by Yasmin Shamderli
- Salma (Syria) – Directed by Jud Said
- Weshm Al-Reeh (Morocco) – Directed by Leila Al-Tariki
- Dakhil Al-Bahr Yadhak and Rihla 404 (Egypt) – Directed by Noha Adel and Hani Khalifa
- Shukran Li Annak Tahlum Ma’ana (Palestine) – Directed by Leila Abbas
- Lalif (Tunisia) – Directed by Saber Al-Bakoush
- Infigarat Atifiya Mufaj’ah (Finland) – Directed by Bola Kurva
- Ma’ak Aw Bidunik (Australia) – Directed by Kylie Schilling
Feature Documentary Films
The feature documentary competition showcases impactful films, including:
- Min Abd Ila Leila (Iraq) – Directed by Leila Al-Bayati
- Al-Khat Al-Akhdar (France) – Directed by Sylvie Balliot
- Ahkilhum ‘Anna (Jordan) – Directed by Rand Beiruty
- Wa’ad Iman (Algeria) – Directed by Nadia Zawawi
- Qissat Aisha (Canada) – Directed by Elizabeth Feber and Chen Wang
- Bay Bay Tabariya (Palestine) – Directed by Lina Suleim
- Women with Class (Sweden) – Directed by Mohamed Al-Sahli
Short Films
The short film competition features a diverse array of works, including:
- Norma Aydan (Argentina) – Directed by Natalia Finelli and Alejandra Joswi
- Ma Naqatil Min Ajlih (Italy) – Directed by Sara Dott and Carlotta Marucci
- Nadine (Tunisia) – Directed by Abdullah Yahya
- Yalla Parkour (Palestine) – Directed by Areeb Zuaiter
Educational Initiatives and Future Aspirations
In addition to film screenings, the festival has launched an educational project aimed at training a new generation of female documentary filmmakers in Gaza. Twenty young women from Gaza are participating in this six-month program, divided into five groups, each tasked with producing a short film. The initiative seeks to empower these women to tell stories about the lives of women in the Gaza Strip. Dr. Shalh expressed the festival’s commitment to repeating this experience annually, nurturing a generation of capable female directors who can portray the untold stories of life in Gaza.
The Gaza International Women’s Film Festival stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Palestinian women, offering a platform for their voices to be heard on the global stage.
From: Al-Arabiya