GAZA SURF CLUB

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.  

“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.” – Variety

Gaza – a strip of land with a population of 1.7 million citizens, wedged between Israel and Egypt and isolated from the outside world. 26 miles of coastline with a harbour that no longer services ships. Hardly anything gets into Gaza and even less gets out. The young generation is growing up with very little perspective – occupied and jobless. But against this background there is a small movement. Our protagonists are part of the surf community of Gaza City.

About 40 surfboards have been brought into the country over the past decades with great effort and despite strict sanctions. It is those boards that give them an opportunity to experience a small slice of freedom – between the coastal reminder of a depressing reality and the Israeli-controlled three-mile marine border.

As part of People + Water Series.

Artistic Credits:

Directed by: Philip Gnadt, Mickey Yamine
Starring: Sabah Abu Ghanem, Mohammed Abu Jayab, Ibrahim Arafat
Executive Producers: Mickey Yamine
Producers: Benny Theisen, Stephanie Yamine, Andreas Schaap

World Premiere: Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2016)