The war in Gaza has been ongoing for over a year now. Although a ceasefire agreement has now been signed (at the time of publishing it looks like it might not hold much longer), the long-term ripple effects of the past year will be felt by generations of Palestinians who have suffered because of this war. In the Gaza Strip, where you would not imagine finding much hope or positivity, one animator, Haneen, has been working tirelessly to bring even a tiny bit of relief to the women and children living there through animation. Haneen very kindly offered to chat to us for the Creating Change series. 

Haneen, what led you to become an animator?  

"Animation has always been my means of expressing ideas and emotions creatively and simply. When I began working with children in Gaza, I discovered that this medium could serve as a window for them to express their dreams, fears, and experiences that are difficult to articulate with words. The desire to help and motivate them to use this art form is what drove me to learn and develop my skills in animation. Additionally, my talent in drawing has been a significant factor in my persistence."

Haneen and team - leading an animation workshop

"I discovered that this medium could serve as a window for them to express their dreams, fears, and experiences that are difficult to articulate with words."

What role can animation play in empowering women and children in Gaza and help them share their stories? 

Animation provides a safe space for creativity and expression. In a community like Gaza, where crises, wars, and hardships are recurring, animation becomes a tool for emotional release and a medium to convey messages to the world. For women, animation empowers them by equipping them with the skill of stop-motion filmmaking, which could become a source of income over time. It also enables them to share their stories and shed light on their experiences in a visually compelling way. 

For children, animation helps them explore their abilities and express their dreams and realities. It allows them to present their issues or artistic talents through visual storytelling. Additionally, animation transports children from their lived realities to a world where they can unleash their creativity artistically. 

Showing animation process - Child drawing character sheets.

How do you adapt your methods for teaching animation to engage with people in Gaza who live with limited resources and in tents during conflicts? 

We work with what is available, using simple materials such as paper, pens, and mobile phones. We turn limitations into opportunities for creativity by encouraging participants to use their surroundings to create characters and backgrounds. We also rely on playful and team-based teaching methods to make the experience enjoyable and rewarding despite the challenging circumstances. 

We recycle materials and often rely on participants to bring items like small kneading tables to draw on, as facilities, chairs, and tables are scarce. 

Previously, we used cameras to film animations. During times of conflict, we switched to using mobile phones, installing applications to teach participants animation techniques. 

Resourcefulness use of mobile phones to film animations

Have you encountered any resistance while trying to implement these workshops?

Yes, we occasionally face challenges from some groups or communities that may view these activities as less significant during crises. Additionally, the lack of resources, the high cost of art supplies.

Can you share stories about some of your favourite animations and the journey of their creators? How have these works impacted the people you work with?

One of the standout films was "A Day in the Tent," in which children depict their daily lives in tents after being displaced. It was an incredibly moving experience, especially seeing the children express their reality with innocence and honesty. This film gave them a sense of pride and helped them see themselves as agents of change. 

Another film, "Six People and One Plate," focused on the issue of the lack of eggs and their unavailability in Gaza. The children love eating eggs, and this story highlighted their struggle with hunger. 

What are your hopes for this project, and how can the international community help elevate it?

I hope these workshops become a sustainable platform for fostering creativity and self-expression in Gaza, allowing the voices of children and women to reach the world. The international community can help by financially supporting these activities, providing the necessary resources, and promoting these works globally through festivals and media platforms. 

Please consider dontating to Haneen so she can continue her important work. Link to her Gofundme page below.