Closed Zone shows the closure of the Gaza Strip and its effects on the ability of the one and a half million human beings living there to live normal lives. Gisha took the unusual step of commissioning the film out of concern that the discourse on access policies in the Gaza Strip "erases" from consideration the individuals affected by the closure. The film seeks to help viewers see and empathize with the real victims of the closure policy -- 1.5 million human beings, here represented by a single cartoon character and the bird he chases -- who just want to live normal lives. . . [We hope that the movie will] help us protect human rights in Gaza, by reminding people of the humanity of Gaza residents and the rights they have by virtue of their humanity, including the right to freedom of movement.
Imagining Humanity in Gaza
The beautiful little film below was sent to me by Sari Bashi, the Executive Director of Gisha: Legal Center for Freedom of Movement, an Israeli human rights organization working to defend the right to freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially residents of the Gaza Strip, through legal and public advocacy. Her organization created the film together with Yoni Goodman, director of animation for the Academy Award-nominated film, Waltz with Bashir. In Sari's words,
