Announcement of the Establishment of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival and an Arab and International Invitation to Join the Founding Committee
Dr. Ezzedeen Shallah announced the establishment of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival and issued an open Palestinian, Arab, and international invitation to join the festival’s founding committee. The first edition of the festival is scheduled to take place in Gaza City from October 26 to October 31, 2025, coinciding with the Palestinian National Women’s Day. This date marks the anniversary of the first Palestinian Women’s Conference, held in Jerusalem in 1929, during which nine Palestinian women were martyred.
Dr. Shallah stated that the idea of establishing the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival stems from the long history of struggle and resilience of Palestinian women, as well as the hardships they continue to endure as a result of war and displacement. Many women have lost their children, while others have lost their husbands and primary providers. Every woman has a story that deserves to be heard.
Through the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival, the organizers seek to highlight women’s issues at the international, Arab, and Palestinian levels, focusing particularly on the experiences and stories of Palestinian women. The festival aims to present the realities, aspirations, and achievements of Palestinian women through films that demonstrate their creativity, resilience, and ability to make an impact despite difficult circumstances.
Dr. Shallah added that the objectives of the festival include Supporting and encouraging women’s cinematic creativity.
Providing a platform for films produced, directed, or written by women from Palestine and around the world, as well as films directed by men that address women’s issues.
Discovering emerging talents and providing them with the support needed to launch their careers in cinema.
Highlighting the issues of Palestinian women and building bridges of cultural communication with the Arab world and the international community.
