Gaza Ghetto: Portrait of a Palestinian Family

The first documentary film produced in Gaza Strip
by
PeA Holmquist
Pierre Bjorklund
Year Released
1985
Film Length(s)
82 mins
Remote video URL

Introduction

In the first documentary film made in Gaza, Gaza Ghetto (1984) highlights the historical precedents that fuel today's horrific violence, and continue at the heart of the Israeli occupation. Intimate scenes of Palestinian family life (a child born, a grandmother dies) in Jabalia, the largest Palestinian refugee camp, are intercut with visits to the architects of the Israeli military occupation. Ariel Sharon, Benyamin Beneliezar and soldiers on patrol candidly discuss their responsibilities. Spend 82 minutes with the Abu el-Adel family and you will understand how the roots of the Israeli occupation influence today's harsh realities, and make dreams of peace and justice all the more urgent.

Featured review

Of tremendous importance in understanding and appreciating the complexity of a cultural tragedy…
Mary Beth Crain
LA Weekly

Reviews

The best historical view of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip that's ever been put on film. An almost uncanny relevance to current events.
Garay Menicucci
Director, International Student Services, Santa Clara University
“This film was the first documentary to tell the history of Gaza in a brave way, against what the formal news was showing and what pro-Israel media was saying. It shows how my grandmother died, and how my brother was born. It shows how to advocate for people’s rights and for anti-colonialism, and how to tell the truth even if everyone is saying it differently.”
Abdullah
grandson of Abu el-Adel who appeared in the film as a child, and is now a father of teenagers (2023)

Awards and Screenings

Gold Lion (Grand Prize) Festival dei Popoli
Special Merit, Athens International Film Festival
International Festivals Finalist: Mannheim, Berlin, Florence, Chicago, Cairo, Jerusalem
Festival Ciné-Palestine (2019) Selection; Paris
Theatrical Screenings (2024): Maysles Cinema (NYC); LA Film Forum; Suns Cinema (DC)
Theatrical Screening (1985): Film Forum (NYC)

Features and Languages

Film Features

  • Subtitles

Subtitle/Caption Languages

  • English

Promotional Material

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