Trapped in “the world’s largest open-air prison” and ruled by war, a new generation is drawn to the beaches. Sick of occupation and political gridlock, they find their own personal freedom in the waves of the Mediterranean – they are the surfers of Gaza.
Directors: Philip Gnadt, Mickey Yamine
Country: Germany 2016
Runtime: 87 min
Language: Arabic, English
Subtitles: English, German, Spanish, Dutch, Portugese
Genre: Society, Politics, Sport, Youth
“A group of young men, as well as a few girls, hit the waves as a way of mentally escaping the Gaza Strip in this handsome, uplifting documentary.” Jay Weissberg, VARIETY
“Politics is not the point of Gaza Surf Club — it is, in fact, barely mentioned — but the political situation there informs every part of this project.” Julia Felsenthal, VOGUE
“Gaza Surf Club is Disney masquerading as “documentary.” Josh Cabrita, CINEMA SCOPE
“Gaza Surf Club skirts a direct discussion of politics. It’s not necessary.” David D’Arcy SCREEN INTERNATIONAL
100% Rotten Tomatoes
7,2/10 IMDB
Selected Festivals/Awards
– “World Premiere“ Toronto International Film Festival, Canada (2016)
– “Best of Fests“, IDFA, Netherlands (European Premiere) (2016)
– Hawaii IFF, USA (2016)
– Calgary Underground FF, Canada (2016)
– Honolulu Surf Film Festival, USA (2016)
– Dubai IFF, U.A.E. (2016)
– Tromsø IFF, Norway, Jan 16-22
– “Documentary Competition” Max Ophüls Festival, Germany (2017)
– DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary FF, Finland (2017)
– Reel Palestine Dubai, U.A.E. (2017)
– Santa Barbara IFF, USA (2017)
– Doc Fortnight NYC, USA (2017)
– Human Rights Human Wrongs Doc Film Fest, Norway (2017)
source
