The Phoenix of Gaza

Screened in the Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre (SOAS University of London), as part of the 2026 BRISMES Conference, titled War, Empire and Sabotage in an Age of Genocide, the film will be followed by a Q&A with Director and Producer Yousef Alhelou, chaired by Nael Jebril.

The Phoenix of Gaza

After a decade away from home, beginning in 2013 with a journalism fellowship at the Reuters Institute for the study of journalism at Oxford University, Yousef decided to travel back to Gaza in the summer of 2023 to reconnect with the people and places of his childhood. His intention was to make a documentary film, which would reveal the hidden beauties, joys, and treasures of Gaza.

Yousef created extensive reportage of Gaza’s historic buildings, recreational spaces, its beach life, its olive and fruit groves & orchards, its museums, mosques, churches, restaurants, shopping malls, markets, graduation and wedding ceremonies, cultural heritage as well as capturing rare aerial footage of Gaza.

Little did Yousef realise the footage taken during his 2 months trip would become some of the final records of the cultural, social and recreational life of the besieged and blockaded enclave prior to its absolute destruction by Israel beginning on October 8th, 2023, a devastating war lasted for over 600 days so far.

Yousef's unique records of Gaza in 2023 serve as a valuable archive of the colossal scale of the genocide meted out not only on the lives and homes of Gazans, but also on the civic, historical, cultural and heritage landmarks, recreational sites, resorts, hotels, parks, the beach, as well as all aspects of life.

The Phoenix of Gaza is a personal film. It invites viewers to see Gaza through Yousef's eyes – a place where, despite occupation, blockade and a military onslaught by Israel, Gazans exercise a creativity and resilience, and a beauty that refuses to be extinguished.

• Directed & Produced by Yousef Alhelou, Palestinian filmmaker
• Language: English & available in different subtitles
• Running time: 60 minutes
• Filmed during 2023/24, edited in 2025.
• The film was premiered in London-UK in Feb 2025.
• Format: Full HD, MP4 (16:9)

This screening is a fundraising event organised by BRISMES. Proceeds will support BRISMES' charitable activities and help cover the documentary's copyright and screening costs.

The British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES) is a charity and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales. Company No: 08747770 | Registered Charity No: 1161206Registered Office: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ