Gaza Fights for Freedom – 2019 Documentary

Gaza Fights for Freedom, a 2019 documentary that predates the Oct 7th Hamas incursion, directed by journalist Abby Martin for Empire Files, is a powerful documentary exposing the harsh realities of life in Gaza during the Great March of Return protests, which began in March 2018. Denied entry to Gaza by Israeli authorities on accusations of being a “propagandist,” Martin collaborated with Palestinian journalists and videographers to capture exclusive footage of the nonviolent demonstrations along the Gaza-Israel border. The film, running 84 minutes, documents the courage and resilience of Gaza’s people amidst devastating conditions, while indicting Israeli military actions as war crimes.

The documentary opens with a historical overview, using rare archival footage to contextualize Gaza’s plight under Israeli occupation and blockade, which has led to severe poverty, food shortages, and limited electricity. It vividly portrays the Great March of Return, where thousands of unarmed Palestinians protested near the border, demanding their right to return to ancestral lands. The film highlights the tragic toll: over 200 civilians, including journalists and medics, killed by Israeli snipers, with thousands injured. Heart-wrenching testimonies from victims, including the family of slain paramedic Razan al-Najjar, underscore the human cost.

Martin’s collaboration with Gaza-based journalists delivers raw, unfiltered visuals of the protests, contrasting sharply with mainstream media narratives. The documentary meticulously documents alleged Israeli war crimes, supported by legal evidence and firsthand accounts, while celebrating Palestinian resistance against oppression. Its emotional depth and unflinching imagery aim to awaken global awareness of Gaza’s struggle, challenging viewers to confront the realities of siege warfare and systemic injustice. Gaza Fights for Freedom is both a cinematic achievement and a call to action, urging solidarity with Palestinians fighting for their rights.