MPI Media Group‘s new Watermelon Pictures has acquired North American distribution rights to From Ground Zero, which will represent Palestine in this year’s Oscar race for Best International Feature.
The label is planning a full theatrical release and run for the short list for the work from Rashid Masharawi — a collection of short films, both documentary and drama, made in Gaza since January 2024. It had a North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Specifically, the project brings together 22 shorts from Gaza filmmakers in an initiative set against the backdrop of conflict, providing a platform for young artists. Ranging in length from 3 to 6 minutes, the short films presents a unique perspective on the current reality in the territory, which Israel began bombarding shortly after the brutal attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. Gaza has been pretty much flattened since and, according to authorities there, over 40,000 Palestinians have died with nearly 2 million displaced.
Despite the harsh filming conditions, Gaza’s vibrant artistic scene shines through and the film offers intimate and powerful portraits of daily life. Using a mix of genres including fiction, documentary, docu-fiction, animation and experimental cinema, the works captures the diverse experiences in the Palestinian enclave, including the challenges, tragedies and moments of resilience.
The project is supported by the Masharawi’s Fund for Films & Filmmakers in Gaza.
“My goal was to amplify the voices of 22 Gazan filmmakers, and I was fortunate to bring this vision to fruition,” he said. “I’m thrilled that Watermelon Pictures will now be able to share my film and vision with the world.”
“From Ground Zero is a stunning feat of resilience and a testament to the undying perseverance of the people of Gaza. It is an honor to bring these breathtaking films to a broader audience. From Ground Zero is more than a movie, it’s a miracle,” said Munir Atalla, head of acquisitions and production for Watermelon Pictures.
The distribution deal was negotiated by Masharawi and Laura Nikolov from Coorigines Production with Watermelon’s co-founder Hamza Ali, and Atalla.
The company was launched earlier this year by Alana Hadid, the fashion designer and sister of models Bella and Gigi. It plans to focus on “cultural representation and social advocacy, and be dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented filmmakers across the globe”.