San Antonio residents are set to get a poignant look into the tumultuous existence of Gazans with a film series launch intent on spotlighting the strife Palestinians face under Israeli military actions. The series, which started with a Sunday screening at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, was held to raise funds for those affected in Gaza. According to KENS 5, the film "Where Should the Birds Fly?," directed by Fida Qishta, follows two Gazan women as they navigate life amidst conflict.
The series, hosted by San Antonio for Justice in Palestine and co-sponsored by organizations such as DSA San Antonio, aims not just to inform but to actively support Gazans through fundraising. In a statement obtained by KENS 5, Imane Saliba of Esperanza expressed the organization's commitment to "fighting for justice and building cross-cultural understanding." The recent escalation, described as unprecedented by some, has reportedly left over 29,000 Palestinians dead and driven 80% of Gaza's population from their homes, prompting various organizations to call on local leadership to advocate for a cease-fire.
The "River 2 Sea Cinematheque" series is also set to feature events such as poetry nights and additional screenings tailored to shed light on the Palestinian cause. The endeavor is rooted in a shared belief in the power of cinema to enlighten and fundraise for humanitarian needs. La Prensa Texas reports that the partnership is dedicated to the assertion "to 'affect well' is the imperative duty every person holds to others," be they artists, educators, organizers, or freedom fighters.
The series kicked off with a particularly opportune arrangement: a double feature that began with "Glow of Memory," a documentary by Ismail Shammout that delves into the painter's recollections encapsulated in art. Espousing causes such as the comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and mutual aid at multiple levels, from local to federal, the partnered organizations are striving to decidedly affect change and support through grassroots efforts. Donations are encouraged at these events, as detailed in a statement by KENS 5, and further information can be found on the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center's Facebook page or by following San Antonio for Justice in Palestine on Instagram.
