Palestinian Oscar entry “From Ground Zero” is adding to its credits, just in time for its upcoming U.S. release later this week. Watermelon Pictures today announced that Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore has joined the production team of the anthology film as an executive producer.
The film was recently shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Billed as “a powerful collection of short films by 22 Palestinian filmmakers living through war in present-day Gaza,” the film blends “animation, documentary, and fiction” with “stories [that] capture the steadfastness of the human spirit and enduring creativity that thrives even in the face of relentless devastation.” The film premiered at the 5th Amman International Film Festival in July and had its North American premiere at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival in September.
In an official statement, Moore noted, “These Palestinian filmmakers have accomplished a cinematic miracle. They have made a brilliant film in the midst of what Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have now declared a genocide. The only weapons that Rashid and these 22 courageous Palestinian directors in Gaza have are their cameras and their creativity. No filmmaker, writer, or artist should ever have to tell the story of their own extermination. It’s an honor to stand in solidarity with them and help share their stories with the world.”
Director Rashid Masharawi expressed his gratitude and excitement, sharing in his own statement, “The team is both humbled and thrilled to be shortlisted. With Michael Moore’s involvement, we are even more empowered to portray the humanity and resilience of Palestinians, share their creativity with the world, and showcase the power of cinema as a force for justice and understanding.”
“Michael Moore’s passion for telling stories that challenge injustice aligns perfectly with our mission as a company. His expertise and commitment to social justice will be invaluable in helping us share these powerful, untold stories, and we are thrilled to have him join ‘From Ground Zero,’” added Hamza Ali, co-founder of Watermelon Pictures.
You can watch the trailer for “From Ground Zero” below. Watermelon Pictures will release the film in U.S. theaters on Friday, January 3.
