The Gaza International Women’s Film Festival has launched an international promotional tour across Europe in preparation for its second edition, strengthening its global presence while inviting filmmakers from around the world to participate in a festival dedicated to celebrating women’s stories and Palestinian cinema.
The initiative includes a series of cultural events, film screenings, and discussions hosted in several European cities and film festivals, highlighting the festival’s mission of amplifying women’s voices through cinema and expanding international artistic partnerships.
European Tour Opens in Rome
According to Italian filmmaker Milena Fiori, the promotional tour began in Rome with a special screening of the Palestinian film Thank You for Banking with Us! directed by Leila Abbas at Villetta Social LAB as part of the L’Aperossa cultural program.
The event also introduced audiences to the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival and its future projects, followed by an open discussion featuring members of the film team and attendees to encourage dialogue around Palestinian cinema and its role in telling human stories.
Festival to Participate in Major European Cultural Events
The promotional campaign will continue through a series of appearances at European film festivals and cultural gatherings, including:
- July 18: Participation in the Cinema del Reale Festival in Lecce, Italy.
- July 18: Participation in the SiciliAmbiente Film Festival in San Vito Lo Capo, Italy.
- July 25: Images from the Global South event in Viterbo, Italy, featuring a screening of Palestine 36 directed by Annemarie Jacir.
- August 4: From Gaza with Love event during the Rome International Short Film Festival.
- September 11: A special discussion titled Time Speaks About Gaza in Venice featuring Italian intellectual Luciana Castellina, organized by the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival.
Festival Calls for Film Submissions
Dr. Ezz El-Din Shallah, President of the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival, confirmed that submissions for the festival’s official competition remain open until August 1, 2026.
He invited filmmakers worldwide to submit works exploring women’s experiences, challenges, and human stories, emphasizing that the festival welcomes diverse cinematic perspectives from across the globe.
The second edition will be held under the theme:
“Women Create Life from Death.”
Second Edition Scheduled for October in Gaza
The festival is scheduled to take place from October 26 to October 31, 2026, in the Gaza Strip, coinciding with Palestinian Women’s Day.
Organizers say the timing reflects the festival’s commitment to highlighting Palestinian narratives while celebrating women’s creativity, resilience, and contributions to society through cinema.
Cinema as a Voice for Memory and Justice
Dr. Shallah described the European tour as an important step toward expanding the festival’s international cultural and artistic partnerships while strengthening the global visibility of Palestinian cinema.
He stressed that cinema remains a powerful medium for preserving memory, defending identity, promoting justice, and building dialogue between peoples and cultures.
The festival also called on cultural institutions, artistic organizations, and individuals to support its second edition, reaffirming its belief that cinema is not only an art form but also a means of safeguarding collective memory, fostering cultural understanding, and inspiring future generations.
