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Alphabetti Theatre Presents 

Cult Cinema Club: Gaza Surf Club

Saturday 11th May 2024

Times: 13:00 & 17:00

Tickets: £5

Running Time: Approx. 126 mins

Age Rec: 12+

Covid-19 Policy: We are no longer operating social distancing, and face coverings are encouraged but not mandatory–our policy is reviewed fortnightly

Trapped in “the world’s largest open-air prison” and ruled by war, a new generation is drawn to the beaches. Sick of occupation and political gridlock, they find their own personal freedom in the waves of the Mediterranean - they are the surfers of Gaza.

Gaza–a strip of land with a population of 1.7 million citizens, wedged between Israel and Egypt and isolated from the outside world. 26milesof coastline with a harbour that no longer service ships. Hardly anything gets into Gaza and even less gets out. The young generation is growing up with very little perspective-occupied and jobless. But against this background there is a small movement. Our protagonists are part of the surf community of Gaza City. Round about 40 surfboards have been brought into the country over the past decades with great effort and despite strict sanctions. It is those boards that give them an opportunity to experience a small slice of freedom-between the coastal reminder of a depressing reality and the Israeli-controlled three-mile marine border.

Quotes

"A group of young men, as well as a few girls, hit the waves as a way of mentally escaping the Gaza Strip in this handsome, uplifting documentary." Variety

 

"Gaza Surf Club skirts a direct discussion of politics. It's not necessary." Screen International

 

"Politics is not the point of Gaza Surf Club -- it is, in fact, barely mentioned -- but the political situation there informs every part of this project." Vogue

Festivals

  • “World Premiere“ Toronto International Film Festival, Canada (2016)

  • “Best of Fests“, IDFA, Netherlands (European Premiere) (2016)

  • Dubai IFF, U.A.E. (2016)

  • Biografilm Festival, Italy (2017)

  • Jerusalem FF, Israel (2017)

  • Santa Barbara IFF, USA (2017)

  • Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, Greece (2017)

  • ---and many more

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