Special Mention for Gaza Surf Club at the Days of Cinema in Palestine

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Special Mention for Gaza Surf Club at the Days of Cinema in Palestine


Within the Closing Ceremony of the Days of Cinema, the documentary film Gaza Surf Club by Philip Gnadt and Mickey Yamine received a Special Mention. Organized by Filmlab: Palestine, the Days of Cinema was held from the 17th to the 23rd of October in different Palestinian cities.

Days of Cinema is an annual event, organized by Filmlab: Palestine every October, and aims to place Palestine on the map of the International film industry and movie landscape, in addition to promoting local and international films across several venues in different cities within Palestine. The first edition of Days of Cinema was launched in 2014 presenting a unique program of renowned international film screenings for adults and children, along with panel discussions, professional film workshops, specialized programmes for children, and networking opportunities
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Trapped in "the world's largest open-air prison" and ruled by war, a new generation is drawn to the country's coastline. Sick of occupation and political gridlock, they find their own personal freedom in the waves of the Mediterranean - they are the surfers of Gaza.

Directed by Philip Gnadt and Mickey Yamine and co-produced by Stephanie Yamine, Gaza Surf Club is a feature documentary film that stars Sabah Abu Ghanem, Mohammed Abu Jayab and Ibrahim Arafat. MAD Solutions is handling the film's distribution in the Arab world. In 2013, the film project received the Film Prize of the Robert Bosch Stiftung. The film landed its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and was nominated for the Social Justice Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the Halekulani Golden Orchid Award at the Hawaii International Film Festival. The film took part in several film festivals including the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF).