Info:

Screening format: DCP
Directors: Philip Gnadt, Mickey Yamine
Country of origin: Germany
Languages: Arabic, English
Subtitles: English
Runtime: 1 hour 27 minutes

About the film:

The surfers of Gaza have found solace in the waves of the Mediterranean, seeking personal freedom from the political gridlock and occupation that has left them trapped in what is often referred to as "the world's largest open-air prison". Despite the challenges posed by war and conflict, this new generation has discovered a way to escape and enjoy the beaches, using surfing as a means of expression and release.

Philip Gnadt (Germany)

Prior to his studies at the Media University in Stuttgart, Philip Gnadt worked as a camera assistant for five years in TV and cinema productions. In 2003, his documentary Paula earned him the sponsorship prize of the Baden-Wuerttemberg Film Industry. His graduation film, Zwölf Seiten, won the award at the ‘Independent Days Karlsruhe’ in 2010. While working as a freelance director for corporate and documentary films, Gnadt founded Substanz Film in 2003. Since 2012, he has been collaborating with Mickey Yamine from Little Bridge Pictures on the documentary Gaza Surf Club.

Mickey Yamine (Egypt, Germany)

Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Mickey Yamine moved to Germany at the age of 18. After working in the film and TV industry, he decided to pursue a degree in film production at the HFF Film University in Babelsberg. In 2010, Yamine completed his graduation film, Tropic of Bear, which received an honorable mention at Festival del Film in Locarno and was broadcasted on German TV. Since then, Yamine has produced numerous films and TV commercials in both Cairo and Berlin. In 2013, he co-founded Little Bridge Pictures, a Berlin-based production company, alongside Andreas Schaap and Benny Theisen. Yamine's recent works include The Last Compartment (2016), Gaza Surf Club (2016), and Print the Legend (currently in pre-production).