More than 100 people attended a film screening of Gaza Surf Club in Ocean Grove on November 7.
Gaza Surf Club, made in 2016, is directed by Philip Gnadt and Mickey Yamine. The film by Little Bridge Pictures takes a “day in the life” approach and showcases the stories of members of the Gaza Surf Club community, who use the ocean as a way of mentally escaping the violence and oppression of the Gaza Strip.
This beautiful film focuses on a group of young women and men struggling to pursue their love of surfing, despite Israel’s illegal blockade and regular bombings.
Surfers for Gaza, a group of young activists in the southern coast of Victoria, are raising awareness about Palestinians’ struggle and the campaign for justice and freedom.
Lach Buckley, one of the organisers, said: “I usually can’t catch waves due to swell height or my sloppy pop up, but imagine not being able to catch a wave because you would be shot at if you tried to access the ocean. That’s what’s happening in Gaza right now. If Palestinians enter the water, they risk being shot at or bombed by the Israeli military.”
The film also highlights the Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions campaign (BDS) and the need to build solidarity with other international campaigns.
The funds raised were donated to Doctors without Borders.