Gaza Cinema Academy launches at Venice Film Festival

The Gaza Cinema Academy has been officially launched at the Venice Film Festival. Founded by a collective of Palestinian, Arab, and international filmmakers, the organization aims to establish a sustainable space for film education, training, and production within the Gaza Strip.

The academy focuses on supporting young talent and women, providing them with the tools to tell their own stories and connect with the global film industry. Key founders and supporters include directors Mai Masri, Ezzaldeen Shalh, Kaouther Ben Hania, and Annemarie Jacir, alongside actors such as Hiam Abbas, Ramy Youssef, and Saleh Bakri.

In addition to its educational mission, the academy seeks to build an international network of partnerships with film festivals, cultural institutions, and production companies. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between local filmmaking in Gaza and the wider international cinematic community, ensuring Palestinian voices can reach global audiences and platforms.