The Gaza Cinema Academy formally launched on Monday at the Venice Film Festival, marking a significant step toward advancing film education and production opportunities for Palestinians in Gaza. The initiative aims to establish a sustainable platform for emerging filmmakers to develop their skills and share their stories from authentic perspectives.

The academy was co-founded by Palestinian filmmakers Ezzaldeen Shaih and Mai Masri, with additional support from prominent industry figures including Annemarie Jacir, Hiam Abbass, and Saleh Bakri. Emmy-nominated comedian and filmmaker Ramy Youssef also backs the project, alongside Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania—who is serving as a jury member at this year’s Venice Film Festival—and Italian producer Graziella Bildesheim. The initiative further involves Alaa Karkouti, co-founder of Cairo-based production company Mad Solutions.

Since March, the Gaza Cinema Academy has been running a nine-month Gaza Filmmaking Diploma program, enrolling 25 young Palestinian women. The course combines theoretical instruction with hands-on filmmaking training to equip participants with the tools necessary to develop their own film projects.

Beyond the diploma program, the academy intends to establish an accredited filmmaking degree in collaboration with Al Quds Open University. Future plans include forging partnerships with international film festivals and cultural institutions, aiming to link Palestinian filmmakers with the broader global film industry.

The founders and supporters emphasize the academy’s role in fostering a new generation of Palestinian storytellers, providing them with educational resources and professional connections that have historically been limited by the region’s challenges. The initiative represents a concerted effort to nurture local talent and amplify diverse narratives from Gaza on the international stage.