The Phoenix of Gaza – Film Screening with Director Q&A

East Berkshire Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) present “The Phoenix of Gaza”- powerful award-winning documentary from Palestinian-British journalist Yousef Alhelou shows rare footage of Gaza’s beauty and culture, filmed just weeks before the genocide began.

Yousef visited in summer 2023 to reconnect with the city of his birth, meet his large family and promote Gaza to the outside world as a resilient and vibrant place. This celebration of life became an archive capturing memories of an obliterated land. His remarkable film aims to re-humanise Palestinians.

Journey through rare, breathtaking footage of a vibrant Gaza now lost to history: explore its historic buildings, bustling markets, serene beaches, olive groves, resorts, and joyful social ceremonies. This intimate record, captured just before its destruction, has become a priceless archive of a world under siege, showcasing the creativity and resilience of a people who “decorated their prison” and defied collective punishment.

The film transforms into a moving eulogy and a testament to the unbreakable will of the Palestinian people. Augmented by a reflective interview with the director, “The Phoenix of Gaza” is a tragic yet hopeful glimpse of a society that, despite immense suffering, refuses to be extinguished.

“What was meant to be a documentary about life turned into a eulogy for a city and its people.”

The film’s narrative is tragically underscored by the director’s own loss. Yousef’s sister and her seven children were killed by an Israeli strike in December 2023; they remain buried under the rubble.

🏆 An Acclaimed & Award-Winning Film

This critically acclaimed film is not just a documentary; it is a piece of enduring heritage. It has already won 22 awards including for Best Documentary and Best Director at 5 international film festivals.

The evening will include:

• A full screening of the film.
• A talk and Q&A session, delving deeper into the themes of the film and the ongoing situation.

This is more than a film screening; it is an opportunity to witness a powerful story of memory, loss, and profound resilience.

This is an in-person event (no online access). Tickets are non-refundable.

Free refreshments, including tea, coffee, and biscuits, will be provided.