By Romey Norton - December 22, 2024
Going beyond the tabloid headlines, From Ground Zero tells the story of 22 Palestinian filmmakers living in war, over the past year. By documenting their day-to-day experiences, director/producer Rashid Masharawi has given voices to the people of Gaza in this emotional and powerful anthology film. This is a trigger warning for readers and viewers as some of the stories are graphic and will be emotionally upsetting.
Split into many stories, ranging from three to six minutes, each gives a different perspective of living and surviving in war. They show the fragility of life, people's resilience, and desire for peace.
The filmmakers were allowed to tell their stories how they wanted, which means From Ground Zero uses a mix of genres, including fiction, documentary, docu-fiction, animation, and experimental cinema. This range helps reflect the many rollercoaster of emotions in Gazan life at present, and the creativity in how films can tell a story. Some are told through hand-held phones/cameras, (like a selfie/influencer) giving a real, honest view of their lives. From putting on makeup in the tents they live in, to making a cup of tea. Things we take for granted, in other, safer areas of the world.
Others are told as if writing a letter to a friend, as they take us through their simple day. There’s a story where we heard distressing audio, whilst the shot is of a man standing, reflecting by the beautiful calm sea. The contrast between the tranquil sea and the gunfire and people in distress is overwhelmingly effective.
Then there are the stories where you see and hear true death and destruction, which involve children. You can hear helicopters, gunshots, and bombings from a distance, all while people struggle to find family members and gather their belongings from mountains of rubble. Children losing their parents and not fully grasping their reality is probably the hardest part of this anthology film. I had knots in my stomach when people were crying for their parents, both young and old. If you do feel like one story is affecting you too much, you can move on to the next one.
I feel weird writing this, but the film is beautifully shot. It’s clear and graphic, and they’ve done well with the sound to keep it as clear as it is. The filming conditions are harsh and gritty - again a powerful tool in showcasing what is happening to the people of Gaza that audiences aren’t getting on the news or online. It’s brutally honest - you’ll see harsh living conditions and the reality of people’s physical and mental health struggles. From starvation to enduring nightmares most of us can’t even imagine.
I was incredibly emotional throughout, with certain stories hitting me harder than others. What the filmmakers have done so well is tell a wide range of people's experiences so that all audiences will have at least one to resonate and empathise with.
It’s not all doom and gloom though, we get to see people's resilience, making their lives as positive and meaningful as they can, through making art and music, and you can feel the love they have for their country and community, which is impactful and inspiring.
Even Though it’s a difficult watch, From Ground Zero is an important and powerful must-watch, to see what is happening to the people of Gaza and the enduring spirit of its people. This film is history. It’ll be watched in years to come, to help show the horrors and the hope. No matter what you think you know or have seen already through the news and social media, this anthology film will open your eyes, break your heart, and fill you with hope for a better tomorrow.
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