Private Project

The Girl From Gaza

The ongoing occupation in Palestine has wrought havoc on Mariam’s life, who with her mother Bara'ah in Gaza is constantly 'fighting for her future against Israeli occupation, bombs and patriarchal rules' while feeling like life is spiralling out of control.

Despite living in an open air prison, Mariam finds focus through Taekwondo and education. Many girls in Gaza get the opportunity to study abroad yet the majority never make it out - will Mariam's dream of a scholarship be her ticket to freedom?

  • Nicolas Aujula
    Director
  • Nicolas Aujula
    Writer
  • Nicolas Aujula
    Producer
  • Mariam Al-Muzainy
    Key Cast
    "Mariam"
  • Bara'ah Abu Rass
    Key Cast
    "Mariam's Mother"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 5, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    250 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Jordan
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • River Film Festival
    Padua
    Italy
    June 6, 2022
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Nicolas Aujula

Nicolas Aujula is a visionary who has appeared in over 100 media outlets aacross the globe. As a documentary filmmaker, he employs the female perspective to explore challenging social issues such as refugees, conflict, gender equality, and sexuality.

Through his thought-provoking work, he has shed light on the experiences and struggles of women from diverse backgrounds such as Lebanon, Jordan and Gaza. His short films; "I Am Beirut" and "The Girl From Gaza", showcase the resilience and strength of Palestinian women as they navigate social and political challenges.

Prior to becoming a filmmaker, Nicolas worked as a therapist, where he gained first hand experience dealing with stories of human trauma and triumph. His therapeutic background has influenced his storytelling approach, allowing him to portray his female protagonists in an authentic and sensitive manner.

Nicolas' films aim to foster understanding and empathy by highlighting the unique perspectives and experiences of women to contribute to a more inclusive and just society.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"My paths crossed with Mariam, a young Gazan girl full of dreams yet behind those bright eyes lay a story of struggle against forces beyond her control yet her spirit of resilience inspired my short film.

As we spent time together reflecting; there were sad moments as I heard of horrors that speak of dark forces that no child should have to endure, of dire loss and destruction. But their were a few bursts of laughter as even life under occupation can have a some light moments. Most importantly their was an undying hope for the future, that despite a lost childhood Mariam did not give up on her dreams.

The majority of us will never meet people from Gaza who despite their traumas and daily difficulties have great strength and a sense of humour that I believe it is imperative to tell their stories.

Hope is what gets us out of bed no matter what our circumstances maybe or where we live, hope is what keeps us going. We can all relate to having hope for a better future. Human rights matter for everyone not just for a select few in the world"