Renowned Palestinian filmmaker Kamal Aljafari’s latest project, “With Hasan in Gaza,” provides a captivating exploration of Gaza’s lost past, meticulously portrayed through recently found footage from 2001. The film, premiering at the Locarno Film Festival, offers a unique perspective on the resilience and erasure of Gaza’s people and land, weaving a poetic narrative of survival amidst devastation.
The Rediscovery of a Lost Journey
In “With Hasan in Gaza,” Aljafari takes viewers on a profound visual journey, capturing the essence of Gaza as it existed more than two decades ago. This poignant piece is built on rediscovered video footage that Aljafari describes as an homage to Gaza’s erased existence. Set during a 2001 road trip with local guide Hasan, the film journeys from north to south in search of Abdel Rahim, a man from Aljafari’s past. Their connection dates back to their time in an Israeli juvenile prison, adding depth to this narrative of rediscovery.
The footage, originally intended for a separate project, lay forgotten until Aljafari stumbled upon it, giving new life to what he calls “the first film that I never made.”
A Glimpse of Life Before Destruction
The film depicts everyday scenes of Gaza—children playing, bustling markets, and vibrant neighborhoods—set against the backdrop of the 2023 conflict that decimated much of this landscape. This rediscovery offers a haunting reminder of a community that has since faced overwhelming destruction and loss.
“It is really inevitable to think about what happened to all these people when you watch it,” said Aljafari, reflecting on the footage and its newfound significance.
An Emotional Resonance Through Music
Complementing the film’s visuals is a powerful soundtrack by composer Simon Fisher Turner. The music captures the emotional essence of a time and place that seems forgotten, enhancing the narrative’s nostalgic undertones. Aljafari noted the profound impact of the music, stating that Turner’s compositions imbue the film with a deep sense of melancholy and recollection.
Classic Arabic songs also enhance this emotional journey, further anchoring the film in its cultural context.
International Recognition and Future Endeavors
As the film opens Locarno’s International Competition, its impact is evident with participation in 35 international festivals. Despite the accolades, Aljafari expresses mixed emotions about celebrating a film highlighting such irreversible loss. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the importance of sharing these stories, especially in highlighting a reality that no longer exists.
Looking forward, Aljafari is preparing for his next project, “Beirut 1931,” which he hopes to shoot next year in Jaffa. With “With Hasan in Gaza,” Kamal Aljafari once again demonstrates the power of film as a medium of remembrance and resilience in the face of adversity.
