Dr. Ezzedeen Shallah, Founder and President of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival, announced the launch of preparations for the festival’s first edition. The event is being organized in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, represented by Minister Imad Hamdan, and in cooperation with Arab and international founding members.
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.
Supporting Palestinian Women Through Cinema
Minister Imad Hamdan emphasized the importance of establishing a film festival dedicated to Palestinian women. He noted that Palestinian women continue to face difficult and exceptional circumstances, particularly in Gaza.
Many women have lost their children, while others have lost the primary providers of their families. According to Hamdan, every Palestinian woman has a story that deserves to be told and preserved through artistic and cultural expression.
Promoting Cultural Exchange and Awareness
Minister Hamdan explained that the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival aims to promote cultural and artistic exchange while highlighting women’s issues, especially those affecting Palestinian women.
The festival seeks to empower women through filmmaking and provide them with opportunities to share their experiences through cinema. It also aims to raise awareness of women’s rights and document the Palestinian narrative for international audiences
Honorable Women in a Time of Genocide
Dr. Ezzedeen Shallah stated that preparations for the first edition of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival are moving forward despite challenging circumstances
He explained that the festival represents a message of resilience and determination. The inaugural edition will be held under the slogan “Honorable Women in a Time of Genocide” and participants will compete for the festival’s Golden Orange Awards
A Date Honoring Palestinian Women
Dr. Shallah noted that October 26 was selected as the festival’s annual opening date in recognition of the historic role of Palestinian women.
On this day in 1929, the first Palestinian Women’s Conference was held in Jerusalem with the participation of more than 300 women. The same year also witnessed the martyrdom of nine Palestinian women, making the date an important symbol in Palestinian women’s history and political participation.
International Participation and Film Submissions
The festival administration will announce the opening of film submissions at a later stage.
Films from around the world that address women’s issues will be eligible to participate, regardless of the nationality of the producer, director, or filmmaker. The festival aims to encourage cultural dialogue and strengthen international cooperation through cinema.
Appreciation for Supporters
Dr. Shallah praised Minister Imad Hamdan for his support of the festival and his commitment to strengthening the role of Palestinian women through culture and the arts.
He also thanked the Arab and international founding members who contributed to establishing the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival and invited others to join the founding membership in support of Palestinian women and their creative voices.
Contact the Festival
For more information and festival inquiries, please contact the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival administration.
