Friday, April 24, 8:30 p.m. | This deeply moving documentary offers an intimate portrayal of the everyday lives of four men in Gaza. Through its lens, the film captures their pre-war routines, providing a rare and authentic glimpse into a region often overshadowed by narratives of violence. The film intertwines the stories of its protagonists, revealing their struggles, hopes, and moments of quiet joy, all set against the backdrop of a complex socio-political landscape.
Preceded by:
WORSE THAN NUKING: A FAMILY'S TALE OF SURVIVAL
2025, dir. Kareem El Damanhoury, 15 min, USA, Egypt, In Arabic with English subtitles
This short follows Fedaa, a pediatrician and mother of three living in Gaza, as she struggles to care for children in a hospital while shielding her own family through two relentless years of war. Through her eyes, we see the collapse of healthcare, the fragility of safety, and the courage required just to keep going.
QAHER
2025, dir. Nada Khalifa, 21 min, Poland, Palestine, Egypt, In Arabic with English subtitles
Jason, a Canadian Palestinian, returns to Palestine after years away to surprise his sister, bringing an unconventional gift — a goat, a traditional offering for his newborn nephew. As he embarks on his journey to reach her, he rediscovers the true meaning of Palestinian identity.
Chicago Palestine Film Festival | April 11–25, 2026
Founded in 2001, the Chicago Palestine Film Festival (CPFF), a program of the Middle East Charitable and Cultural Society Inc., a non-profit organization, is an annual cultural event that serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing the rich and diverse narratives of Palestinian cinema. Film synopses provided by CPFF. Learn more at palestinefilmfest.com.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu