By Keira Guy, Third Year, Politics and International Relations
The Bristol Palestine Film Festival has been running for 15 years, but a lot has changed in the past two years, following the events of the 7th October and the devastating conflict that has followed. Some of the events in the programme show the impact of Israel’s war on Gaza and the people who live there, whereas some seek to celebrate the culture of such a fascinating place.
Each year a different charity is chosen to receive support, and this year it is the Palestine Red Crescent Society who conduct vital humanitarian work within Palestine. The festival is supported by a few organisations but also relies on donations to ensure that it can continue to run in the years to come.
I was fortunate enough to attend the screening of ‘Voices from Gaza’, a collection of three short documentaries showcasing the different experiences and perspectives from life in the strip. As noted in the introduction, these films are made to be appreciated, not necessarily enjoyed, as it is vital that these stories can continue to be told.
The first documentary to be shown was Gaza Sound Man (2025), which follows Mohamed Yaghi, a Palestinian sound engineer. Through beautiful cinematography, Yaghi explores sound in Gaza and how it has changed. From the hubbub of the food market to screaming parents, ear-piercing bombs and the constant hum of military drones. He reflects on how every stage of him life has been marked by war, not just post-2023, but also in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2018-2019 and 2021-2022.
The focus on sound in the documentary was a compelling way to capture the essence of Gaza which allowed for reflection on the senses we take for granted. The descent of his home into devastation and destruction is horrifying to witness and hear, as the ‘beautiful sounds’ of his lively home are ‘fading and being replaced by darker ones’.
As well as sharing his own experiences, Mohamed meets with and interviews many people, including a displaced girl named Ghazal, who emotionally recalls her left-behind toys and the child she used to be. She has been aged by the war; her thoughts are now consumed by the pursuit water and the constant shadow of death. Her resilience is admirable, but also upsetting, as she is no longer free to simply be a child and dream.
The second short documentary was Vibrations from Gaza (2023) which provided a glimpse into the experiences of deaf children in Gaza, all of whom have grown up under the occupation. It weaved together moving cinematography of the children playing with signed interviews recounting experiences. Many of them describe feeling the vibrations of bombings and the humming of military drones, which provided an interesting perspective following ‘Gaza Sound Man’, which was primarily focused on sound.
This documentary itself was silent apart from a persistent humming, which recreates the sensory experience of the children. For me, the most heartbreaking aspect was how they continue to smile, but they understand and know of horrors that children should never have to experience.
Eve Perrins
The final documentary, It’s Bisan from Gaza and I’m Still Alive (2023) followed young journalist and filmmaker Bisan Owda, who posts about her evacuation on social media. As international journalists are not allowed into Gaza, Bisan provides a valuable insight into what Palestinians are experiencing right now. She has gained global attention for her journalism online and even received an Emmy in 2024 for her coverage on the war.
But she is not a content-creator, she is a Palestinian, experiencing this horrifying conflict like millions of others. Her posts show the world a perspective that is rarely seen on mainstream platforms. In one devastating clip, Bisan revisits her beloved workspace, which has been destroyed by a missile strike. Her old life has been shattered, and she will remain changed forever.
The mood in the room was silently sombre, and many people were crying. The three documentaries were a painful reminder of the devastation that is happening right now, whilst we continue to live our lives. Whilst it was not easy to watch, Voices from Gaza is a film that must be witnessed.
Featured Image: Bristol Palestine Film Festival
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