

Twenty-two Gazan filmmakers turn trauma into art—this isn't news footage, it's survival cinema.
"From Ground Zero" is a compelling project that brings together 22 short films created by talented filmmakers from Gaza. Launched by Rashid Masharawi, a notable Palestinian filmmaker, the initiative emerged amid the backdrop of conflict, aiming to provide a platform for young artists to express themselves through their craft. Each film, ranging from 3 to 7 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. With a mix of genres such as fiction, documentary, docu-fiction, animation, and experimental cinema, "From Ground Zero" showcases a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the sorrow, joy, and hope inherent in Gazan life.
Direction
22 distinct voices, one impossible geography.
Production
Filmed during active siege—resourcefulness as aesthetic.
Writing
Genre-hopping: horror, satire, poetry, documentary.
Director
Bashar Al Babisi
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rashid Masharawi launched this after his own Ramallah-based workshop was disrupted—Gazan filmmakers trained Gazan filmmakers in real time.
The 3-7 minute constraint wasn't artistic choice—it was battery life, generator fuel, and when the next airstrike might land.