News Features Award – Winner
Ibrahim Al Otla
Witness – Rescue Mission Gaza
Commissioned by: Al Jazeera English
On day 22 of the war on Gaza, the Civil Defence is under enormous pressure as the Israeli bombardment intensifies. We spend one brutal day with these first responders on their rescue missions. Dodging bombs, racing injured people to hospitals, digging children out of rubble – and then heading back to do it all again, bomb after bomb, this raw and distressing film bears witness to those on the frontline, saving lives in Gaza.
This film follows Captain Moumen and his team of first responders on Sunday 29th October. That weekend, Israel launched their full-scale ground invasion into Gaza City, where this film takes place. Communications were severed on Friday 27th October, with the following bombardment described as the most intense of the first three weeks of the war. Partial restoration on 29th October did little to ease the stress for the team, compounded by ongoing dangers and near-impossible media transfers.
“We have seen so much astonishing material and brave work from inside Gaza in this past year – but this work really stands out. Powerful storytelling driven by a central character, Captain Moumen. His experience was captured so eloquently, and this work epitomised the story of the year. Capturing humanity and helplessness in equal turn, Ibrahim Al Otla created an extraordinary and highly engaging film.”
News Features Award Jury
Bio
With a career spanning various roles as a director, cinematographer and producer, Ibrahim Al Otla has been instrumental in shining light on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through his work. His work is deeply informed by his personal experiences in Gaza, infusing his narratives with authenticity and urgency. Al Otla’s filmmaking style is characterized by emotional depth, compelling narratives, and a strong visual aesthetic.
Since October 2023, Al Otla has worked as a freelancer with Alef Multimedia for various media outlets, including Al Jazeera English’s Witness strand, tirelessly bringing international attention to the situation in Gaza despite being displaced with his family numerous times during the war.
He worked as a director and cinematographer for Media Town between 2008 and 2011 and for Palestine Television between 2000 and 2008. In 2006, he was critically injured when Israeli soldiers targeted a press crew in Gaza City’s Shujayea neighbourhood, after two bullets penetrated his protective vest and lodged in his chest.
Undeterred, he continued to work on numerous documentary films for multiple Arab channels, including Al Jazeera Documentary. Al Otla’s films have won several awards, including Best Documentary at the Middle East Film Festival and the Humanitarian Award at the Global Cinema Awards.