Dr. Ezzedeen Shallah, founder and president of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival, which works in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Culture and a number of Arab and international institutions, stated that the Tunisian film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania will open the first edition of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival on Sunday, October 26, and its activities will conclude on October 31, 2025, in Gaza City at the headquarters of the Journalists’ Syndicate, next to the destroyed Rashad Shawa Cultural Center.
Shallah expressed his deep gratitude and thanks to the Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania for agreeing that the film’s first screening in the Arab world would take place in Gaza, noting that her approval means that Gaza is not alone, and that it is an artistic and humanitarian message calling the world to pay attention to the ongoing tragedy in Gaza.
Shallah called on filmmakers from around the world to assume their humanitarian responsibility by producing films about Gaza, where there are thousands of stories that must be told. Producing these films would help document this period, embody the Palestinian narrative, and change the international community’s perception of the issue.
He also urged Arab ministers of culture to play their role in supporting films in their countries that address the stories of Gaza, considering this a humanitarian and national duty not to abandon our people during the most difficult stages they are going through. He affirmed that if Arab culture ministers support such films, there would be at least 20 Arab films produced annually, which would significantly contribute to mobilizing global public opinion in favor of the Palestinian cause.
The first edition includes the participation of 79 films from 28 Arab and foreign countries addressing women’s issues from diverse human perspectives, enhancing the festival and making it a platform for intercultural dialogue from the heart of Gaza. The participating countries are: Italy, France, Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Kuwait, Sweden, Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Canada, Sudan, Kenya, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Finland, Denmark, Argentina, Iran, in addition to Palestine.
37 screenplays participating in the official competition of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival
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