Michael Moore has become an executive producer for From Ground Zero, a recently shortlisted Palestinian film for the Best International Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.
The film, a collection of shorts from 22 Palestinian filmmakers living amidst the conflict in Gaza, combines animation, documentary, and fiction.
According to the producers, From Ground Zero “captures the steadfastness of the human spirit and the enduring creativity that thrives even in the face of relentless devastation.” The film, coordinated and funded by director Rashid Masharawi, will be released across the United States by Watermelon Pictures on January 3.
“These Palestinian filmmakers have accomplished a cinematic miracle,” Moore, who won the Oscar in 2003 for Bowling for Columbine and the Palme d’Or in 2004 for Fahrenheit 9/11, said in a statement. “They have made a brilliant film in the midst of what Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have now declared a genocide.”
Moore went on to explain, “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.”
From Ground Zero
Although From Ground Zero was initially accepted into Cannes, it was pulled from the festival due to political reasons. The film later had its official premiere in Toronto.
In its review, it was described each short as “unique in its conception and yet bound by a common resilience, and a need to document the violent interruption of life and routine.” Earlier this month, the film was selected as one of the 15 finalists for the Best International Feature category at the Academy Awards.
Director Rashid Masharawi expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “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.”
Hamza Ali, co-founder of Watermelon Pictures, echoed the sentiment: “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.”
