A Palestinian film, From Ground Zero, has made history by being shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards in the International Feature Film category. Directed by 22 Palestinian filmmakers, this anthology offers a raw and intimate portrayal of life in Gaza amid the ongoing violence since October 7, 2024. The film is up against stiff competition from titles like Walter Salles‘ I’m Still Here (Brazil), Mohammad Rasoulof‘s The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany/Iran), and Sandhya Suri‘s Santosh (UK), among others. But it’s the story behind this selection that makes From Ground Zero so remarkable.
The film’s urgency and emotional depth come from its blend of documentary, animation, fiction, and experimental genres. It paints a vivid, heartbreaking picture of survival, loss, and resilience in a region ravaged by conflict. Each short film within the anthology weaves together personal narratives that explore the profound human toll of the relentless Israeli strikes, capturing both the devastation and the hope that persists in Gaza.
Premiering at the 5th Amman International Film Festival in July, From Ground Zero also had its North American debutat the 49th Toronto International Film Festival in September, gaining international attention for its fearless storytelling.The film goes beyond news headlines, offering a deeply personal and intimate view of the toll the ongoing conflict has taken on everyday lives in Gaza.
This Oscar shortlist is a groundbreaking moment for Palestinian cinema. From Ground Zero is breaking new ground, putting Palestinian filmmakers on the map in a way that could lead to greater global engagement with their stories. As we await the final round of voting to determine the official Oscar nominees, it’s clear that From Ground Zero has already achieved something monumental, posing the question: will this mark the beginning of a new era for Palestinian cinema?
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