In summer 2013, a 2000 year old statue of Apollo was discovered in the nets of a fisherman from Gaza. When the statue suddenly vanishes, it opens up all sorts of speculations: is it hidden in a tunnel? hostage to armed groups? destroyed by fundamentalists? or resold to international traffickers of art? Proven or fantasised, the wildest assumptions about its fate begin to circulate.

Full of mystery and unexpected twists, this fascinating documentary seeks to uncover the secrets behind this stunning archaeological discovery. Filmed in Gaza and Jerusalem, we follow the filmmakers as they track down those who saw the priceless artefact or who have heard stories about it. Is it the work of forgers, or a gift from the gods to Palestinians desperately in need of hope? There are a lot of unknowns, but one thing is sure: the Apollo of Gaza soon becomes an object of speculation and greed, its very existence feeding the wildest rumours, and blurring the line between truth and lie, myth and reality.

Beyond local political rivalries and international concerns, The Apollo of Gaza is an engaging reflection on the passage of time and the cycles of history. It’s a history that has seen the birth, growth, and death of great civilizations, in a part of the world marked by seemingly endless violence, where the besieged Gaza strip continues to pay a heavy price.

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