A screening of the documentary film From Ground Zero takes place from 6:30 to 9 pm on Friday, March 21 in Evered Hall (S Building) on the Abbotsford campus.
This film project sought to provide internally displaced artists — survivors of Israel’s long assault, which has resulted in apocalyptic humanitarian conditions, destruction, mass killing, starvation, disease, and irreparable trauma for the people of Gaza — with a “canvas for the expression of personal stories.”
The resulting collection features 22 three- to six-minute short films. Genre and narrative approaches vary widely, including documentary, hybrid forms, narrative drama, stop-motion animation, essay, and experimental video art. However, what these remarkable works present when taken together is critically important context and a counterpoint to the gruesome livestream populating screens globally. The filmmakers’ testimonies of confinement under relentless bombardment and imposed famine expose audiences to fragments of their daily struggle to survive — and to do so with dignity.
Chronicling the lives of people too often discussed in reference to numbers and refugee camps, From Ground Zero is an extraordinary time capsule, an urgent response to an ongoing catastrophe, and an artist’s call to bear witness.
A brief, respectful discussion of the film will follow. Refreshments will be provided and you can secure your free ticket at this link.
Fri, Mar 21, 2025
6:30 to 9 pm
UFV Abbotsford, Evered Hall (S Building)