Gaza International Women’s Film Festival Establishes a Professional Academic Diploma in Filmmaking
The Gaza International Women’s Film Festival, under the leadership of its founder and president, Dr. Ezzedeen Shallah, has announced the establishment of a professional academic diploma in filmmaking in the Gaza Strip. The initiative is being launched in cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, renowned Palestinian filmmaker Mai Masri, and a number of Palestinian, Arab, and international cinema professionals.
Dr. Shallah stated that preparations for the diploma program began more than a year ago. Acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker Mai Masri serves as a founding partner and supervisor of the diploma. Masri brings extensive experience and a long-standing connection with Gaza, dating back to 1995 when she conducted a filmmaking workshop in the territory. She is considered one of the pioneers of contemporary Palestinian cinema and has directed numerous acclaimed films, including Children of Shatila, 33 Days, Beirut Diaries, Frontiers of Dreams and Fears, Children of Fire Mountain, and 3000 Nights, as well as several co-productions with her late husband, Lebanese filmmaker Jean Khalil Chamoun.
Dr. Shallah explained that the program officially commenced on March 8, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day, in the Nuseirat area of the Central Governorate. He described the diploma as a qualitative step toward empowering Palestinian women and strengthening their presence in the film industry. The long-term vision is for the diploma to continue on a regular basis and eventually receive accreditation from higher education authorities, enabling graduates to pursue further academic studies toward a bachelor’s degree.
The first cohort of the diploma program aims to train and qualify 25 young women from different areas of the Gaza Strip. The initiative seeks to build a new generation of women filmmakers capable of expressing their experiences and the stories of their communities through the language of cinema.
The diploma represents one of the leading initiatives in film education in Gaza. Combining both theoretical and practical components, the program provides comprehensive training covering all stages of filmmaking, from idea development and screenwriting to directing, cinematography, editing, and production management. This integrated approach ensures that participants acquire the skills necessary to produce films of high artistic and professional quality.
The training team includes a distinguished group of specialists from Gaza, alongside Palestinian, Arab, and international film professionals who contribute their expertise and diverse experiences. Their participation enriches the educational process and creates an advanced learning environment for aspiring filmmakers.
The diploma program will culminate in the production of six films that reflect the academic and professional training received by the participants. These films will present the perspectives of young women filmmakers and address humanitarian and social issues within Palestinian society, helping to bring the voices of women in Gaza to local and international audiences.
The launch of this diploma is part of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival’s broader efforts to strengthen the role of women in the cultural and artistic sectors, support emerging female talent, and create new opportunities for women to engage in visual storytelling and content creation. Through this initiative, the festival aims to foster a vibrant women-led film movement capable of making a meaningful impact on society.
