“I See Gaza” Documentary Premieres

The opening film of the 15th TRT International Documentary Awards, “I See Gaza,” produced by TRT Inhouse Productions and documenting the struggle of conscientious people striving to be the voice of Palestinians around the world, premiered with a magnificent ceremony.

Produced and directed by Bora Akarsel and Duygu Kepenek, the documentary series brings to the screen the stories of those living miles away from Gaza, who disregarded their peaceful and tranquil lives and stood against the genocide in the name of human dignity, through the lens of Palestine.

“I See Gaza” tells the story of those who, despite having no religious or cultural affiliation, disapprove of the genocide, injustice, lawlessness, or excessive use of force, and will continue their protests until Palestine is free.

For the documentary “I See Gaza” (Gazze’yi Görüyorum), produced by the TRT In-house Productions Department and hosted by Alican Ayanlar, the production team gathered together people from around the world who have witnessed the Gaza genocide. He contacted many activists who were saying “stop”, including world-renowned figures, journalists, opinion leaders, action groups, and social media accounts. He planned the filming process by tracking each event and individual for weeks. During the protests, interviews were conducted with activists in Norway, England, Ireland, Sweden, Scotland, South Africa, and Japan, and their stories of protesting the Gaza genocide were captured.

FEATURED NAMES IN THE DOCUMENTARY

In the countries visited, interviews were conducted with figures such as Nelson Mandela’s grandson and Member of Parliament Zwelivelile Mandela; actor Liam Cunningham; former South African Intelligence Minister Ronald Kasrils; Irish Bohemians Football Club President Daniel Lambert; members of the Green Brigade Ultras football fan club; Irish politician Richard Boyd Barrett; comedian Tadhyg Hickey; George Totari, the singer of the song “Leve Palestina,” Japanese director Neo Sora; and Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan, as part of the January 1st Galata demonstration.

The first part of the documentary explores the events surrounding the Gaza genocide. It was broadcast on all TRT channels on its first anniversary, October 7, 2024. The second episode, featuring world-renowned actor Liam Cunningham, a prominent actor in Game of Thrones, premiered in Istanbul as the opening film of the 15th TRT International Documentary Awards, which focused on global threats and the atrocities taking place in Gaza. Furthermore, numerous panels and sessions on the Gaza genocide were held during the festival, which also featured Liam Cunningham.

Famous Irish actor Cunningham, who also appeared in the documentary, was also a special guest at the festival.