The Gaza Trilogy

Application summary

This project is a trilogy of novels that delves into the complexities of Palestinian identity, resilience, and memory across three generations. Set in Gaza, the characters navigate fractured realities shaped by displacement, occupation, and internal conflict. Central to the work is the concept of "shattered time," capturing how political and social upheaval has fragmented Palestinian history and identity. The trilogy explores themes of individual and collective guilt, survival, and the quest for personal and communal redemption. By spanning different periods, the project offers a nuanced portrayal of Palestinian life, challenging conventional narratives while elevating marginalized voices. The novels will be crafted through literary writing and informed by cross-cultural collaboration and community engagement. Written in English, the stories will evolve through linguistic and cultural exchanges, drawing on my bilingual background. In addition to writing, I aim to collaborate with refugee communities and art organizations in Helsinki, where I will share storytelling and technical filmmaking skills with residents, refugees, and fellow artists. This trilogy will create a narrative about Palestinian culture and history, and stimulate a wider conversation on identity, resilience, and displacement. Through literature, the project aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Palestinian experience and its broader significance for displaced communities worldwide.