LOS ANGELES: Palestinian filmmaker Rashid Masharawi’s anthology film ‘From Ground Zero’ has been officially shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards under the Best International Feature Film category.
The documentary anthology, a response to the genocide in Gaza that started on October 7, 2023, offers a deeply personal lens on life under the Israeli siege.
Directed by 22 Palestinian filmmakers from Gaza, the anthology presents a collection of short films showing daily life, survival, and resilience amidst Israeli aggression.
The project features a diverse mix of drama, animation, and documentaries, including acclaimed titles like No Signal, Soft Skin, and Hell’s Haven.
The film had its world premiere at the 5th Amman International Film Festival in July and was later showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, receiving critical acclaim for its raw portrayal of the human cost of conflict.
Author Narendra Pachkhede described the film as “an urgent, intimate glimpse into the human toll of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, far beyond the scope of news bulletins.”
The individual stories are woven into a powerful narrative that captures both anguish and hope, reflecting the fragility of life in Gaza.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlists for the 97th Oscars on Tuesday, highlighting From Ground Zero alongside 14 other films in the Best International Feature Film category.
This marks a milestone for Palestinian cinema, with From Ground Zero standing out as a cultural and cinematic reflection of the challenges faced by Gaza residents amid ongoing Israeli violence.
The 97th Oscars will be held live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2, 2025, with Emmy-winning comedian Conan O’Brien as host.
Meanwhile, The Bibi Files, an American documentary on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trials by Alexis Bloom, is competing in the Best Documentary Feature Film category.
