This film screened on Saturday 2nd December 2017. 

Despite the harsh conditions endured by the population of Gaza, everyday life continues. As a result of the restrictions placed upon them, the younger generation must be inventive in finding physical outlets and creating entertainment.

For one small group, including 15-year-old Sabah, who learned the sport as a girl, but is now no longer allowed to practice in public, relief comes from surfing the Mediterranean, on surfboards gathered with great difficulty. Although the film celebrates this group, the backdrop against which it is set infuses it with an undeniable melancholy.

This event is screening as part of the Mavericks: Surfing Docs at the IFI season which runs from December 2nd to 3rd 2017. More info here.

Notes by David O’Mahony