Impromptu film showings in Gaza City provide children with a break from devastation

In Gaza City, children who have endured over two years of relentless bombardment, displacement, and the loss of loved ones are finding brief relief thanks to a community-led cinema initiative. Volunteers have organized an improvised outdoor movie setup in a displacement camp, creating a rare opportunity for young residents to enjoy a semblance of normalcy amid ongoing conflict.

Our goal is to provide a range of activities that allow children to feel positive moments, explained Minass al-Jabour, the media coordinator for the program. We aim to give them a break from the harsh realities they face during the war.

During the screenings, children gather on makeshift seating, captivated by the films projected against temporary screens. For many, this is the first time they have experienced cinema since the outbreak of hostilities.

The conflict in Gaza has taken a devastating toll on children. Health authorities report that Israeli attacks have claimed the lives of at least 20,000 children and injured tens of thousands more since October 7, 2023. Over 55,000 children have been orphaned. With 92 percent of schools damaged or destroyed, most children have lacked access to formal education for the past two years.

For displaced child Sara Abu Sharbi, the screenings offer a rare sense of joy. This is something new for me. After the war, they are providing activities like cinema, and we really enjoyed it, she said, surrounded by tents and debris in the camp.

Palestinian filmmaker Mustafa al-Nabih, involved in the project, emphasized the importance of artistic experiences for children in conflict zones. Cinema allows a child who has witnessed so much loss to imagine a better world, al-Nabih said. It opens their minds to stories, colors, and moments that lift them beyond the destruction surrounding them.

Author: Connor Blake