Film screening [The Phoenix of Gaza]‍‍

After a decade away from home, beginning in 2013 with a fellowship at the Reuters Institute for the study of journalism at Oxford University, Yousef decided to travel back to Gaza to reconnect with the people and places of his childhood. His intention was to make a documentary film, which would reveal the hidden beauties, joys, and treasures of Gaza.

Yousef created extensive reportage of Gaza’s historic buildings, recreational spaces, its beach life, its olive and fruit groves & orchards, its museums, mosques, churches, restaurants, shopping malls, markets, graduation and wedding ceremonies, cultural heritage as well as capturing rare aerial footage of Gaza.

Little did Yousef realise the footage taken during his 2 months trip would become some of the final records of the cultural, social and recreational life of the besieged and blockaded enclave prior to its absolute destruction by Israel beginning on October 8th 2023, a devastating war lasted for over 600 days so far

Growing up a descendant of refugees under Israeli occupation, Yousef's life was shaped by the relentless conflict around him. This environment, harsh as it was, ignited in him a passion for journalism, a tool he hoped to use to share the truths of his homeland.

Yousef's unique and personal records of Gaza in 2023 serve as a valuable archive of the colossal scale of the genocide meted out not only on the lives and homes of Gazans, but also on the civic, historical, cultural and heritage landmarks, recreational sites, resorts, hotels, parks, the beach, as well as all aspects of life.

Selecting material from Yousef’s extensive archive, The Phoenix of Gaza is a personal film. It invites viewers to see Gaza through Yousef's eyes – a place where, despite occupation, blockade and a military onslaught by Israel, Gazans exercise a creativity and resilience, and a beauty that refuses to be extinguished.

What was meant to be a documentary about life turned into eulogy for a city and its people.

A people who, despite decades of occupation, blockade and hardship, continue to celebrate life in its fullest expression.

Yes Gaza was a big prison under siege but its people defied the collective punishment and sever restrictions on imports and exports. With their determination they decorated their prison, they adapted and resisted the submission to the humiliation. They continued to be denied their right to freedom of movement from and into the costal Gaza Strip and rule themselves, as the war-torn territory is still under Israel’s control from the land, air and sea.

Yousef’s sister and her seven children were killed on 10th December 2023 by an Israeli strike on their home. They remain buried under rubble. Dozens of Yousef’s relatives and over 245 journalist colleagues are among the near 65,000 killed between October 8th 2023 and Sep 1st 2025.

🏆🥇🥇🥇The unique documentary film already won 20 awards for the best documentary film and best director.

Yousef Alhelou is an independent journalist, political analyst, filmmaker, and content creator as well as Arabic English simultaneous interpreter, based in London, England. He attended University of Oxford in 2013 for an awarded fellowship research degree in journalism. He also obtained a Master’s degree in international relations from Brunel University London. Yousef reported in Gaza between 2005 until 2013, and covered many Israeli wars and offensives on Gaza.

He has 1 million followers on Instagram until meta suspended his account last March. He regained access to his account 4 months later after doing an online media campaign.