Tehran – Iranian director Mohammad Lottfari’s short animated film, “The Sound of Clouds,” competes in the 24th edition of the Gene Siskel Film Center in downtown Chicago, the Chicago Palestine Film Festival in the US.
Inspired by the poems of the respected Palestinian writer and politician Gassan Kanafani, “The Sound of the Clouds” captures the deep suffering that Gaza children endured.
Produced by the Sureh Youth Film Center, the film shows how Gaza young people write their names in their hands. This powerful act represents both vulnerability and resilience in chaos.
Through its storytelling, the film seeks to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza, highlighting the daily struggles that residents face. By highlighting the voices of these children, The Sound of the Clouds serves not only as a light-form reminder but also as a call to action, urging viewers to acknowledge and respond to the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Additionally, “The State of Passion,” co-directed by Lebanese documentaries Carol Mansoor and Muna Kharidi, is also attending the festival.
Produced in collaboration with the Iranian Documentary and Experimental Film Centre (DEFC), the film is a feature-length documentary that captures the tragic experiences of British reconstruction surgeon Dr. Gassan Abu Sitta in the brutal realities of Gaza’s genocide. The film serves as an intimate portrait of resilience, sacrifice and unwavering commitment in one of the world’s most longest humanitarian crises.
Founded in 2001, the Chicago Palestine Film Festival is an annual cultural event that highlights the rich and diverse narratives of Palestinian cinema.
The festival offers a unique space for filmmakers, artists and audiences to engage in powerful stories that delve into the complexities of Palestinian life.
Through a thoughtfully curated selection of feature films, documentaries and shorts, the festival encourages a deeper understanding of the Palestinian experience.
The festival will be held until April 26th.
Photo: Scene from “Sound of Clouds” by Iranian director Mohammad Rottfari
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