Gaza Ghetto: Portrait of a Palestinian Family

The impact of war on a Palestinian family
by
Joan Mandell
1985
82 mins

In the first documentary film made in Gaza, Gaza Ghetto (1984) highlights the historical precedents that fuel the current cycles of violence and continue at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Intimate scenes of 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 Palestine-Israel conflict influence today's harsh realities and dreams of peace, justice and stability.

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

Awards and Screenings
Gold Lion (Grand Prize) Festival dei Popoli
Special Merit, Athens International Film Festival
Finalist: Mannheim, Berlin, Florence, Chicago, Cairo, Jerusalem International Festivals

Features and Languages

Film Features

  • Subtitles

Subtitle/Caption Languages

  • English

Promotional Material

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