Gaza anthology From Ground Zero to be released in North America by Watermelon Pictures.
Watermelon Pictures, a division of MPI Media Group, has secured the North American distribution rights to From Ground Zero, an anthology of short films from Gaza that is expected to represent Palestine in this year’s Oscar race for Best International Feature.
The anthology, directed by Rashid Masharawi, consists of 22 short films, created by Gaza-based filmmakers in a project that began in January 2024. The collection offers a unique look into life in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict, using a variety of genres to capture the lived experiences of those in the region.
The shorts, which range from three to six minutes each, encompass a mix of documentary, drama, animation, and experimental films. This anthology is notable not just for its content, but also for the difficult conditions under which it was made.
Following an attack by Hamas on October 7, Israel launched retaliatory strikes that have devastated the region. The situation in Gaza has since escalated, with local authorities reporting over 40,000 deaths and close to 2 million people displaced.
Despite these circumstances, the film project has pressed forward, giving a voice to the young filmmakers of Gaza. Masharawi, the director and curator of the anthology, expressed his satisfaction with the project and the support from his own initiative, the Fund for Films & Filmmakers in Gaza.
He remarked, “My goal was to amplify the voices of 22 Gazan filmmakers, and I was fortunate to bring this vision to fruition.”
The anthology, which had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, is set for a full theatrical release under Watermelon Pictures, a newly launched label focused on cultural representation and social advocacy.
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The company, founded earlier this year by fashion designer Alana Hadid, aims to spotlight underrepresented filmmakers from around the world.
Head of acquisitions and production at Watermelon Pictures, Munir Atalla, spoke highly of the project, stating, “From Ground Zero is a stunning feat of resilience and a testament to the undying perseverance of the people of Gaza. It is an honor to bring these breathtaking films to a broader audience.”
The anthology presents a glimpse into everyday life in Gaza, despite the devastation. Its portrayal of the resilience of Gazans, and the creativity and determination of young filmmakers working under such extreme conditions, gives the world a rare, intimate look at the human side of this conflict.
The deal for From Ground Zero was negotiated by Rashid Masharawi and Laura Nikolov from Coorigines Production, in collaboration with Watermelon Pictures’ co-founder Hamza Ali and Munir Atalla.
Watermelon Pictures plans to release the film widely across North America, giving audiences a chance to see the struggles and spirit of Gaza’s people through the eyes of its filmmakers. It is expected to be a strong contender for the Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature.
The company, launched by Alana Hadid earlier this year, aims to amplify marginalized voices and champion films that explore social and cultural issues from around the world.
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