Focusing on the “legendary women of Gaza”, this event is a highlight of the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival.
It features women’s films and stories emerging from the last two years, and pays tribute to an astounding act of cultural resistance: the first Gaza International Festival of Women’s Cinema (GIFWC) taking place in Gaza city in October 2025.
Dr Ezzaldeen Shalh, GIFWC Festival organiser explains:
“This exceptional inaugural edition of the festival is a gesture of solidarity and support amid the ongoing genocide targeting women in Gaza, where many have lost their caregivers or children.
There are truly legendary women in Gaza. Women capable of confronting extreme levels of atrocity, death, hunger, and blockade — with remarkable resilience.
Each woman has a story that reflects the depth of the Palestinian narrative.”
Join us for an unforgettable evening including
- A specially recorded interview with Dr Shalh from Gaza
- Short films by and about women emerging from the last two years in Gaza
- Discussion led by our panel of expert women
Sarah Agha – British-Palestinian actor, TV presenter, screenwriter, and curator of the Arab Film Club
Maryam Ghorbankarimi – British-Iranian film-maker and lecturer at Lancaster University
Suesanne Samara – Leeds-Palestinian doctor, member of Yorkshire Health Workers for Palestine
Doors open 6.30pm
Event starts 7pm
Non-alcoholic refreshments and Palestinian produce on sale
The films
Selfies 7 mins
by Reema Mahmoud
7 minutes 2024
Hind Under Siege 24 mins
Naji Salameh & Aida Amircani 2024
Very Small Dreams 29 mins
Etimmad Washah 2025
This event is supported by Film Hub North/BFI
