Palestinian Film "From Ground Zero" Shortlisted for Oscar Amid War-Torn Context

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A film created by 22 Palestinian directors titled "From Ground Zero" has been shortlisted for the Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This work provides a powerful collection of personal narratives, showcasing experiences from Gaza during the ongoing conflict that began on October 7, 2023, which has resulted in over 45,500 casualties, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The film, officially debuted on January 3, 2025, contains contributions from directors including Aws Al-Banna, Reema Mahmoud, and Nidaa Abu Hasna. Al-Banna’s poignant short film "Jad and Natalie" recounts his tragic loss of his fiancée, Natalie, in a bombing. He emphasizes the importance of sharing human stories, stating, “The world needs to know that we have lives, families, love and dreams, like everyone else.”

Reema Mahmoud contributes the short "Selfie," portraying the struggle of women in displacement and the impacts of consistent warfare. Meanwhile, Nidaa Abu Hasna's short "Beyond the Frame" reflects the devastating effects of bombardments on Gaza's artists and their work.

With the film having passed preliminary voting, the team will learn on January 17 whether it has secured a place on the final nomination list. The directors hope their work not only depicts their realities but also challenges perceptions in both Western and Arab circles.

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