From Ground Zero

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From Ground Zero

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1h 52m

Documentary

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98%

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42 Reviews

98%

Popcornmeter

50+ Verified Ratings

22 Palestinian filmmakers living through war capture their lives in Gaza following the attacks on October 7, 2023, revealing stories beyond the headlines. Through a blend of animation, documentary, and fiction, they create a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This film serves as a remarkable reflection of how art can thrive even in the darkest times, showcasing the enduring spirit and creativity that emerge amid ongoing devastation.

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Critics Consensus

An eclectic collection of short films that capture both the joy and pain of a people persevering through wartime, From Ground Zero has a cumulative emotional impact that proves unforgettable.

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Lovia Gyarkye

The Hollywood Reporter

Nidal’s film wields humor with admirable deftness. Laughter signals lives lived in defiance of destructive forces.

Jan 16, 2025

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David Ehrlich

indieWire

Heartrending as its individual glimpses of Gazan life can be on their own, “From Ground Zero” is such an effective plea for humanity because its shorts cohere into a larger and more specific portrait of artists interrupted.

Rated: B+

Jan 7, 2025

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Matt Zoller Seitz

RogerEbert.com

For all its horror and sadness, this is one of the most hopeful films I’ve ever seen.

Rated: 4/4

Jan 6, 2025

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Christian Gallichio

The Playlist

A profound testament to the importance of artistic statements in the face of the day-to-day horrors in Gaza, the omnibus film “From Ground Zero” represents an act of bearing witness.

Rated: A-

Jan 24, 2025

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Mattie Lucas

trans|cendental cinema

A harrowing portrait of human resilience from a painfully unrepresented perspective, allowing Palestinian artists to tell their stories and shine a light on the conflict's human toll.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 22, 2025

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Beth Accomando

KPBS.org

What is most amazing is that so many of the films highlight joy, hope and beauty despite horrific conditions.

Jan 21, 2025

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Joumana R

Moving and inspiring.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/25

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nalia

It was beautiful and powerful to watch Palestinians narrate, shape, direct and share their own stories. Its so much more than the quick horrid images as you scroll. Learning their names by watching their stories instead of knowing only numbers is so important. The shorts were so varied and yes they are all rooted in the horrible reality of genocide, but the beauty in the determination, love and hope conveyed in each one is something that shouldnt be missed. Go see this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/25/25

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Naseem

Absolutely a must watch! Simple story telling that impacts you profoundly..

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

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David M

Some images I will never forget

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/18/25

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Sher

simple films by real people trying to survive please see. dont worry about it being graphic it is amazing how they all work together and even sing and dream it is definitely very very sad. heartbreaking. please see this imagine it were you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/16/25

Full Review

Rev Korte

The simple desire for an existence free of destruction, domination and daily loss shines through the lenses of Gaza's people in this important documentary. Seeing the residual effects of the constant drones and bombings on the children even on quieter moments is heartwrenching. Its not easy to watch, but there is hope here and people with an indomitable spirit.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/25

Full Review

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Reema Mahmoud

Director

Muhammad Al Sharif

Director

Ahmed Hassouna

Director

Islam Al Zeirei

Director

Mustafa Kolab

Director

Nidal Damo

Director

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From Ground Zero: Trailer 1

2:28

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Synopsis

22 Palestinian filmmakers living through war capture their lives in Gaza following the attacks on October 7, 2023, revealing stories beyond the headlines. Through a blend of animation, documentary, and fiction, they create a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This film serves as a remarkable reflection of how art can thrive even in the darkest times, showcasing the enduring spirit and creativity that emerge amid ongoing devastation.

Director: Reema Mahmoud, Muhammad Al Sharif, Ahmed Hassouna, Islam Al Zeirei, Mustafa Kolab, Nidal Damo, Khamis Masharawi, Bashar Al-Balbisi, Tamer Nijim, Ahmed Al-Danaf, Alaa Islam Ayoub, Karim Satoum, Alaa Damo, Aws Al-Banna, Rabab Khamis, Etimad Washah, Mustafa Al Nabih, Hana Eleiwa, Wissam Moussa, Basel El-Maqousi
Distributor: Watermelon Pictures
Production Co: The Masharawi Fund for Films and Filmmakers in Gaza, Coorigines Production
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Arabic
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 3, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 28, 2025
Runtime: 1h 52m
Sound Mix: Stereo