Samer lives in the West Bank, one hour from his family in Gaza: they haven’t seen each other for six years. Mustafa visited Gaza seven years ago, aged 18: his mother has been fighting to see him ever since. Forced to endure the labyrinthine bureaucracy of visas and visit permits when they are considered ‘infiltrators’ in their own country, the families must be content with Internet chats and endless hours of phone calls. Director Awwad’s emotional study focuses not on Israeli-Palestinian politics but on the daily unliveable consequences they create. An extraordinary glimpse into the daily reality for families torn apart, and the struggle to stay connected.

Screening with two shorts films which both focus on life in Gaza: Shuja’iyah: Land of the Brave (Dir: Hadeel Assali, 2014) and Gaza 1920s (Dir: Wael Alsousi, 2014). With an introduction from Festival Director David Own and followed by a Skype Q&A with Gaza Calling director Nahed Awwad.

Ticket prices: £8.00 full / £6.50 concessions.

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