For the First Time Ever, a Palestinian Film Has Been Shortlisted for an Oscar

'From Ground Zero' is shortlisted in the international feature film category

The Oscar shortlist has just been announced, and among the standout features making the cut this year is the poignant Palestinian film, From Ground Zero. The project, led by Palestinian filmmaker Rashid Masharawi, is shortlisted in the international feature film category, alongside I’m Still Here directed by Brazil’s Walter Salles, The Seed of the Sacred Fig directed by German-Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, and the Sandhya Suri-directed Santosh from the UK, among 11 other titles.

From Ground Zero is a collection of 22 short films made by Gazan filmmakers. It made its world premiere at the Amman International Film Festival in July, after it was pulled from the lineup of the 77th Cannes International Film Festival because organizers wanted to keep politics out of the festival. In response, Masharawi held a projection of the anthology just outside the festival as a sign of protest. The North American distribution rights of the film were acquired by Alana Hadid’s,  the older half-sister of models Bella and Gigi, Watermelon Pictures, which was founded on the principles of backing and distributing films that reflect the full spectrum of Palestinian life.

Following the outbreak of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, the film director initiated the Masharawi Fund for Cinema and Filmmakers in Gaza. This effort was rooted in his commitment to nurturing young Palestinian filmmakers, providing them a platform to share their unique perspectives and stories. Inspired by this mission, Masharawi spearheaded the creation of From Ground Zero, a project comprising 22 short films. These films, produced and post-produced under his guidance, capture diverse experiences and narratives from across the Gaza Strip, culminating in their completion at the end of 2023.

As of now, no Palestinian film has won an Oscar. However, a couple Palestinian films have been nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, including Paradise Now in 2005 and Omar in 2013.

From Ground Zero is the first to make the shortlist. This nomination marks a significant recognition for Palestinian cinema on the international stage, especially considering the challenging conditions these films were crafted under. The Oscar shortlist, achieved amid the complexities of genocide, showcases Masharawi and his team’s unwavering dedication to bringing local narratives to the global stage. It’s a stirring reminder that voices from the most embattled regions can find resonance on one of the most celebrated cinematic platforms in the world. This acknowledgment from the Academy could pave the way for greater international engagement with Palestinian stories, spotlighting the profound humanity and creativity that persist in the face of adversity.

After this shortlisting, the next step is for Academy members to vote again to determine the final nominees for each category. These nominees are then unveiled during the official Oscar nominations announcement. Following this, Academy members cast another round of votes to select the winners, who are ultimately revealed and awarded at the 97th Academy Award ceremony, which will take place on March 3, 2025.

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