Back to All Events

THE MIRACLE OF GAZA

  • Gene Siskel Film Center 164 North State Street Chicago, IL, 60601 United States (map)

THE MIRACLE OF GAZA

2025, dir. Hala Bou Saab
Lebanon, Egypt, Palestine; 52 min.
In Arabic with English subtitles

Halima, a six-year old girl, was hurled away from her brother after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. She was thought dead after the fatal injury to her brain and buried. It wasn’t until her cousin discovered her barely moving finger that the story of a child martyr would transform into one of rebirth, and an embodiment of hope. The documentary sheds light on the tormenting trauma of war endured by Gaza's children, reflecting the voice of those whose innocence was stolen from them, and confronts the horrors of war through the eyes of a child and the resilience of a girl who chose to continue to sing louder than war plane roars.

Preceded by the short films:

RESTRICTED

2025, dir. Tamer Zakaria Shawamra, 8 min.

Reem, a talented Palestinian runner, succeeds after years of rigorous training in qualifying for the finals of a world championship — only for her dream to shatter against the wall of occupation, which denies her the right to participate.

KHALED AND NEMA

2024, dir. Sohail Dahdal, 18 min.

Khaled, a 10-year-old Bedouin boy, and his trusted goat Nema embark on a mission to bring Abu Mariam’s memory back. Abu Mariam, who lost his memory to Alzheimer's, is the only one with the power to save their village from demolition by the Israeli army. Will Khaled help him get his memory back in time to save the village?

BETWEEN SKY AND SEA

2025, dir. Ismail Abu Hatab, 30 min.

A commemoration of the late filmmaker and photojournalist Ismail Abu Hatab, Between Sky and Sea explores the art exhibit of the same name that he launched capturing life in Gaza beyond just war and rubble. Accompanied by a moving tribute from his brother, the film traces a quiet, powerful journey of survival while exploring the enduring meaning of home.

Earlier Event: April 11
OPENING NIGHT: TRACES OF HOME
Later Event: April 12
HOLIDAYS IN PALESTINE