When
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Why
In November 2023, Gaza-born Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi founded the Masharawi Fund for films and filmmakers in Gaza. From Ground Zero, their first project, sought to provide internally displaced artists—survivors of Israel’s nearly year-long assault, which has resulted in apocalyptic conditions—with a “canvas for the expression of personal stories.” The resulting collection features 22 three- to six-minute short films. Genre and narrative approaches vary widely, including documentary, hybrid forms, narrative drama, stop-motion animation, essay, and experimental video art. However, what these remarkable works present when taken together is critically important context and a counterpoint to the gruesome livestream populating screens globally. Despite the harsh filming conditions, Gaza’s vibrant artistic scene shines through this collection, offering an intimate and powerful portrait of daily life and the enduring spirit of its people. The result is an extraordinary time capsule, an urgent response to an ongoing catastrophe, and an artist’s call to bear witness.