Synopsis
How does the last day before annihilation feel? This is the question answered by the warm-hearted Gazan film "Tales from Gaza," where the camera lens documents the faces of the film's protagonists, whose roles today are divided between martyr and potential survivor! The film moves spontaneously, capturing the stories that Gazans have been telling daily throughout 18 years of a bitter siege. They overcome time by singing to mask the sound of surveillance drones or by contemplating the sea waves that travel far to lands the travel-deprived Gazans have never set foot on. Life in Gaza is like an hourglass—it flips over and over and over again throughout 18 years of blockade, while hope seeps through a narrow passage into an endless abyss.
Directors' Biography
Mahmoud Ahmed, a Palestinian filmmaker from Gaza, embarked on a humble path in cinema.
Starting at the esteemed Higher Institute of Multimedia Arts of Manuobah (ISAMM), he pursued a bachelor's in directing and scenario writing, followed by a master's in film editing at the Higher School of Audiovisual and Cinema OF Gammarth (ESAC).
Ahmed's years in Tunisia transformed him, nurturing his creative roots through cinematic exploration. Within Tunisia's vibrant cultural tapestry, he quietly honed his storytelling prowess.
This dedication bore fruit with two impactful short films, including "THE WAR INSIDE US," a poignant documentary that earned recognition in the esteemed "Ciné Par'Court" program, a collaboration between the National Center for Cinema and Image of Tunisia and Goethe-Institut Tunis.
This acknowledgment became a stepping stone, enabling his stories to reach a broader audience. The other film, "MATCHSTICK," marked the pinnacle of his studies, reflecting his growth as a filmmaker.
