Documentary in Gaza?

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

So it's been suggested to me twice now to make a documentary film on Gaza while I'm in Egypt the last half of this year. Once here on VJ and once indirectly tonight in class. I know my adviser and prof can't tell me directly to do it but I know what he meant indirectly even if he hopes in his faintest chance of influence I would take his suggestion even if I was thinking about it before.

Here's your chance to vote and sound off on what you think.

Note: I do have the means to do this most likely. There is a grant I can apply for through my University that they may potentially sponsor if I'm good enough and present my treatment and budget well enough to them and have an adviser on the project. I've already got the tickets to Egypt and contacts in Palestine but I'm risking my neck going into this region. As some of you know there is limited freedom of movement in this region for females especially western ones, and there is limited freedom of speech. Journalist have been arrested and imprisoned in Egypt and surrounding areas. If I go in I can't guarantee I'd get back out across the border. What do you all think and know about the situation?

Edited January 30, 2009 by Olivia*

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Thx for voting.

[Muh and me 18]

I don't know much about whats goin on there other than its so sad. I would be more than interested to see what u would do. good luck if udecide to do so.

[Henna Rose 0]

WOW Olivia ~ UR gutsy, girl !! Have you considered going the independent (low budget ) route then marketing your film on the festival circuit ? You would get alot of exposure and possibly more $$$ and attention than private funding.

good luck whatever you decide

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Considering it's grant money it's an independent production mostly. I just got an email tonight they're matching the grant money almost double if anyone is interested in applying. It's still low budget but the beauty of documentaries you can do that. I've got all the technical skills and vision. I'd use the status with the Universities here and there to pursue it. I've read some reports on the region and the red tape you have to go through. It is not fun and pretty risky. It's my funeral after all. I figure with the bombings started again waleed may be called cos his name is on that list of doctors who volunteer to go there and help. Something more has to be done. I don't have an angel though. I figure I'd go in and try to get all the angels of the story but then when thinking it out I had to consider what that would do if I talked with Hamas, or Fatah and how much danger I'd be in. Mmm....heavy.

I'd purchase my own digital camera of course, and mini-dv's. I may rent audio equipment if need be. Waleed's got some film maker contacts there. I'd capture my own sounds to weave through out the documentary. I'd bring the material back here and edit it in our new million dollar studio before I graduate and if I get it done in time do the film circut route like you said. It could be explosive and controversial putting sensative material out there like this and risking my life.

[Nothing1234 2]

*bump*

Thanks for sharing the links. I had heard of the first one...I get tons of emails from ADC and groups we work with on campus. Many times I don't get to see/read all of them. Amazing work being done.

I'm really into doing a documentary of the new generations there...how they are expressing themselves thru art,...whether dance, music, painting, etc. There are so many talented artists there and all over the middle east. Such an amazing awakening happening now as young people discover their voices thru these medias.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

So the new generation is using art as a form of expression? I hadn't heard that before. How long have you been part of the ADC?

[Nothing1234 2]

So the new generation is using art as a form of expression? I hadn't heard that before. How long have you been part of the ADC?

Yes, many use art. There are rappers, painters, graffiti artists, dancers, singers, etc.

Over 10 years...first started getting involved in high school. I was a big fan of Queen Noor (Jordan) and had read something about her founding the group...then started looking into it more.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Oh you know I did see some rapper girls on YoutTube from Palestine now that I think about it. I never thought to take that angel before. In fact when I was considering the idea I was struggling with what angel to take and thinking along the lines of getting interviews, following people around, showing the destruction, and weaving a story with sound captured from the region. Even for Documentaries there needs to be some preproduction. I like your idea.

[Nothing1234 2]

Oh you know I did see some rapper girls on YoutTube from Palestine now that I think about it. I never thought to take that angel before. In fact when I was considering the idea I was struggling with what angel to take and thinking along the lines of getting interviews, following people around, showing the destruction, and weaving a story with sound captured from the region. Even for Documentaries there needs to be some preproduction. I like your idea.

Go with it if it works for you. There are tons of artists...cultural dance, hip hop, painters, sculptures, rappers, singers, poets, bloggers (written poets...hehe), graffiti artists (look at the walls), and others. If you do decide to pick that angle, you should contact Fredwreck Nassar. He founded MTV Arabia and the STOP movement (Iraqi war)....I think he'd be a huge influence and help. He's an amazing guy.

[Nothing1234 2]

Just send me an email when you decide...I can get you in contact w/ Fredwreck and a few others that may be able to assist.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Thx for the tips. Right now I can't say I will do any of it. I think I better learn more about it there first.

[Nothing1234 2]

Thx for the tips. Right now I can't say I will do any of it. I think I better learn more about it there first.

Very good idea...I'm around...not going anywhere!