Press Kit
Official press resources for Gaza Is Our Home, directed by Monear Shaer.
Film Overview
An independent documentary created in the first 90 days of the nightmare facing Gaza, built entirely from a 2021 iPhone photo album — crafted urgently, compassionately, and full of love.
Format:
Status:
Language/s:
Runtime:
Year:
Feature Documentary
Completed
English, Arabic (with subtitles)
67 minutes (1 hour, 7 minutes)
2024
Director’s Statement
“This is not the documentary I wanted to make. The film was never intended as a conventional project; it grew from urgency and determination to preserve the dignity of people too often seen in statistics.
As the filmmaker behind ‘Gaza Is Our Home’ it is incumbent on me to explain that this film is my deeply personal attempt to express the dire circumstances faced by my own family and all of the residents of Gaza.
With over 150 relatives trapped in the Gaza Strip, my life as a simple videographer for a real estate firm changed dramatically with the news of the devastating loss of 33 of my family members. As I struggled to navigate this nightmare, I was abruptly let go of my job, and it soon became increasingly clear that the horrors faced by my own family in Gaza were too unbearable to ignore.
It is my hope that this transformation of a slideshow turned feature-length documentary becomes a testament to the resilience and humanity of those affected by the ongoing crisis.
It’s essential to acknowledge that this endeavor was undertaken without the support of any studio or financial backing. Instead, fueled by a profound sense of obligation,
I embarked on this journey out of necessity, armed only with my camera, my faith, and the memories of my home, with a hope to shed light on the realities of injustice and the suffering of my people.
But even with the best of my abilities, on my own, I realize that my documentary can only scratch the surface of the true devastation unfolding in Gaza. The ongoing genocide casts a shadow too vast and dark for any single film to fully capture. However, it is my fervent hope that this film will serve as a catalyst for meaningful action.
This is not just a film: It is a unifying call for all viewers to make it part of their life’s purpose to help rebuild Gaza, to uphold principles of justice, and to no longer neglect those who have suffered in agony for decades.
As “Gaza Is Our Home” prepares to make its mark on the world stage, I am reminded of the profound privilege and responsibility that comes with having witnessed the suffering of others, and it is my hope to inspire viewers around the globe to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, and to demand justice for all of the victims of this unprecedented brutality.
Gaza is not just a place on the maр…it is our home.”
Gallery | Film Stills
