For Them
“Shaimaa – A Heart for Palestine” tells the inspiring story of a woman who transformed empathy into sustainable action, placing people, community, and dignity at the core of her work. Through founding a volunteer-led initiative, Shaimaa mobilized resources, built local support networks, and launched humanitarian projects that move beyond emergency relief toward long-term resilience in Gaza and the West Bank.
The documentary follows the growing impact of Shaimaa’s initiatives, highlighting community-based solutions such as establishing neighborhood bakeries, developing accessible water distribution points, and strengthening food security for vulnerable families. Through intimate interviews and vivid on-the-ground footage, the film reveals how grassroots solidarity can evolve into a model of humanitarian sustainability.
More than a portrait of charitable work, the film is a visual testimony to the power of community-driven initiatives and a story of enduring commitment—demonstrating how compassion, when guided by sustainability and collective effort, can create lasting impact that extends far beyond the moment.
-
Hamdi Khalil ElhusseiniDirector
-
Samar Taher LuluDirector
-
Project Title (Original Language):لأجلهم
-
Project Type:Documentary
-
Runtime:19 minutes 44 seconds
-
Completion Date:October 1, 2025
-
Production Budget:0 USD
-
Country of Origin:Palestine, State of
-
Country of Filming:Palestine, State of
-
Language:Arabic
-
Shooting Format:Digital
-
Aspect Ratio:16:9
-
Film Color:Color
-
First-time Filmmaker:No
-
Student Project:Yes - Islamic university in Gaza
-
Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
Samar Taher Lulu is a passionate filmmaker, multifaceted artist, and ConnectHer Fellow from Gaza, Palestine. Her films Jawaher and Khalil Hanaa won awards at the ConnectHer Film Festival in 2023 and 2025. Her latest documentary, Adas Felasteen, earned multiple international awards and global nominations. Samar's mission is to bring unheard voices to the world through documentaries that blend poetic depth with fearless vision.
________
Hamdi Elhusseini is a documentary filmmaker from Gaza with a strong background in capturing compelling humanitarian and social stories through film. A graduate of the Faculty of Science at Al-Azhar University – Gaza, Hamdi has dedicated his career to documenting the resilience of the Palestinian people amid war, occupation, and environmental challenges.
His acclaimed documentary "Jawaher" won Best Documentary Film in the Women & Environment category at the ConnectHER Film Festival 2023, while his poetic film "Khalil Hanaa" was named a finalist in the 2024–2025 ConnectHER "Stand Up Men" category, highlighting stories of male allies supporting women’s empowerment.