Directors statement:

"As the filmmaker behind 'Gaza Is Our Home' it is incumbent for me to explain that this project 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.

The production of this film was undertaken without the support of any studio or financial backing. Rather, it was built out of a profound sense of obligation—This project was born out of necessity, armed with only my camera, my faith, and the memories of my home, with a hope to shed light on the realities of the agonizing injustices and suffering my people have been enduring for decades...

Working tirelessly on this project, I find myself navigating uncharted territory. With each passing day, the crisis in Gaza deepens, and the urgency to share this film and the unfolding tragedies grows more and more pronounced.

This project is my sincere attempt to underscore Gaza's defiant pleas of their right to exist and be heard in a world that has long ignored their cries for justice. 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.

As the crisis continues to unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that the responsibility to amplify these voices and stories extends far beyond the confines of this documentary. It is my fervent hope that this film will serve as a catalyst for meaningful action.

It is now a collective responsibility, shared by all who bear witness to the suffering of Gaza, to rally behind this project and ensure its message reaches the widest possible audience.

"Gaza Is Our Home" is not just a film; it is a call to action, a plea for solidarity in the face of unspeakable horror.

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 brutality.

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 hold the oppressors accountable, and to stand in solidarity with those who have suffered in agony for decades.

"Gaza is not just a place on a map — it is our home." - Monear Shaer

BIO

  • Monear Shaer graduated from USF Class of 2020 with a double major in Marketing and Finance. He has spent most of his life pursuing a career as a videographer and digital media expert.  His love of videography dates back to his high school years.

    In fact, his journey into the world of media production began during his freshman year at Niceville High School. It was here that he discovered his passion for storytelling and digital cinema, laying the foundation for a career as a simple videographer...

    Throughout his career, Monear has remained dedicated to his craft, leveraging his skills to empower local businesses and communities. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, he has spent several years producing digital content that captured the essence of the Emerald Coast lifestyle.

    From internships where he learned the basics of production, to collaborations with a variety of industries as a freelancer, he has continuously sought to expand his skill set and push the boundaries of authentic creative expression. It’s this dramatic departure from his usual role as a videographer for local businesses, that’s important to note.

  • In stark contrast to the idyllic career unfolding in front of him, Monear made an abrupt change in his life, as it became clear his humble abilities would stain his soul, if not used to reveal the reality of what his family was facing.

    Monear's mission became clear: to shine a light on the untold struggles of his people, to humanize their suffering, and to challenge the world to confront its complicity in their oppression.

    The production of "Gaza Is Our Home" was not merely a creative pursuit; it was a pain-staking duty—a project that hopes to transcend the boundaries of art and commerce.

    Throughout the last few months, Monear has coordinated screenings across the country as well as internationally of his debut documentary. These screenings are accompanied by powerful post-film discussions and have since been able to connect audiences to the current atrocities on a much more personal level.

    As a Palestinian-American filmmaker, Monear brings a unique perspective to his work, drawing from his own experiences and family history to tell stories that have been continually overlooked by mainstream media. His dedication to authenticity and storytelling has garnered immense transformations in his audiences, and he hopes to remain a bold and visionary voice in the struggles for liberation for all.

  • With 'Gaza Is Our Home,' Monear has not only crafted a compelling cinematic experience but also has ignited meaningful dialogue & community-engagement within audiences everywhere.

    His intentions remain constant, and that is to combat deception and reveal in totality the immense humanitarian crises unfolding in front of us. His journey is far from over, and he remains committed to using his talents to champion the dire need for justice, dignity, and freedom for the people of Gaza and beyond.

    His goal, is to implant in his audiences an unyielding obligation to stand firm on principals of justice and truth. With an emphasis on our shared humanity through his unwavering belief in the transformative power of storytelling.

    Monear Shaer envisions a future where his work continues to inspire change and provoke unified action on a global scale. With "Gaza Is Our Home" serving as a powerful catalyst, Monear’s focus is to expand his endeavors and spotlight the raw pain of social injustices and human rights violations around the world.

    Monear aims to create lasting impacts that transcend the division created by geographical boundaries and cultural divides.

    Ultimately, he hopes to inspire a new generation of storytellers. Specifically, his hope is to shift dialogues of social justice and human rights to the forefront of all global discourse.

    Monear remains steadfast in his belief that art has the power to transform hearts, eliminate borders, and inspire meaningful social change. His pursuit culminates with a desire for us all to contribute in building a more dignified, understanding, and compassionate world for generations to come.