Cinema Detroit, the beloved arthouse film organization renowned for its focus on independent and socially conscious films, is bringing a powerful cinematic experience to Planet Ant in Hamtramck with a focus on Palestinians living through the war in Gaza.
The one-night-only screening of From Ground Zero: Stories From Gaza, a collection of poignant short films by Palestinian filmmakers, will take place on Sunday, Jan. 12, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the screening beginning at 5:30 p.m. A second screening follows the first at 8:15 p.m.
This collection, which serves as Palestine's official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards and has already been shortlisted for the Oscars' Best International Feature, offers an intimate look at life in Gaza. Comprising 22 short films by Palestinian filmmakers, each piece captures the complexities of life in the war-torn enclave through a mix of genres, including fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental cinema.
Despite the dire conditions under which the films were created, From Ground Zero illuminates the resilience and creativity of Gaza’s artistic community. The collection is also the debut release from Watermelon Pictures, a Palestinian-owned production and distribution company that champions creative resistance and cultural preservation.
“We are honored to support artists in Gaza in a very small way by bringing this project to metro Detroit,” Cinema Detroit co-founder and programmer Paula Guthat tells Metro Times. “The films are remarkable reflections of how art can thrive even in terrible times. Their existence is a testament to Gaza's enduring spirit and creativity."
Founded in 2013 by Paula and Tim Guthat, Cinema Detroit quickly became a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape, offering critically acclaimed independent, foreign, and socially conscious films. After closing its doors in June 2023 due to financial struggles and the shifting post-pandemic film industry, the theater has been hosting pop-up screenings, including outdoor events and collaborations with local organizations.
Tickets for From Ground Zero: Stories from Gaza are available at CinemaDetroit.org. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to explore Planet Ant’s artistic space and enjoy this unique cinematic experience.
