Gaza – August 25, 2021
The Women’s Affairs Center in Gaza has launched the 7th edition of its annual Women’s Film Festival, titled “Through Women’s Eyes”, attracting a wide audience of writers, intellectuals, civil society representatives, and cinema enthusiasts.
Ms. Amal Siam, Director of the Women’s Affairs Center, highlighted the festival’s long-standing mission to present Palestinian and Arab films created by directors who convey, through their work, the pain, dreams, creativity, achievements, and challenges of women in Gaza, Palestine, and other Arab countries. She noted that this year’s festival comes just days after a violent assault that affected daily life, leaving hundreds of casualties and displacing thousands, many of whom remain far from their homes.
Siam emphasized that the films reflect reality, address key social and national issues, and aim to strengthen Palestinian women’s resilience and empower them to achieve justice and equality in society.
Ms. I’timad Washah, festival coordinator, explained that 60 films were submitted from various Arab and regional countries. After an advisory panel review, 23 films—both documentaries and dramas—were selected for screening. Notable films, including “The Red Dress” and “Gray Light”, highlighted the sense of loss among Gaza’s population, particularly women, due to ongoing crises such as the recent assaults and the COVID-19 pandemic. Another film, “Assassinating Truth”, addressed the struggles of Jerusalem-based female journalists, while the documentary “Longing for Ramallah” explored the impact of division and blockade on Palestinians through the story of a woman prevented from visiting her family for 17 years.
Other films screened included: “Window” – “Article 18” – “We Thank Him” – “Towards the Unknown” – “Woman Looking Out the Window” – “Vnes” – “Scarf” – “Sign of Love” – “She Left and Did Not Return” – “Four Fingers” – “Rights” – “Inspiration” – “Detention” – “Time Difference” – “Longing for Ramallah” – “Fabricated” – “Enough” – “Secret” – “Halima”.
The 7th Through Women’s Eyes Film Festival remains a vital platform for supporting Palestinian and Arab cinematic creativity, highlighting women’s issues and contributions to society, and raising awareness about social, political, and cultural challenges faced by women in the region.
