Striplife

This quiet but powerful documentary about Gaza is unlike most films about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The five Italian filmmakers who collaborated on it call it a “choral film.” In many ways, the film is not about the conflict at all. Like classic observational documentaries, the filmmakers focus on the small but revealing details of daily life. Fishermen flock to the seaside when they hear that dozens of manta rays have washed up on shore. Jabbar, who has grown up watching Israeli border patrols, waters his crops. Although rap is banned in Gaza, Antar will be recording his first album today. Near the Egyptian border, Fatima tends her sheep. A former Palestine national soccer team player reminisces about past games amid the ruins of the stadium. Across town, Noor, a reporter, puts on her hijab and makeup before going to the English-language television station. A father of two, Moeman navigates his wheelchair through a crowded demonstration seeking the best vantage point to shoot photos. In 2008, he lost both his legs in an Israeli air strike, but he is determined to continue his photography. And from sunrise to sunset, a parkour team trains. Doing daredevil acrobatics, they bring life to those buried in the cemetery and a bombed-out building. Striplife takes you to Gaza, revealing moments of real life. US Premiere Sponsored by Dan Wohlfeiler