Yalla Parkour

Palestinian-American filmmaker Areeb Zuaiter longs to connect to her roots, so she becomes online friends with a young parkour athlete who films acrobatic videos among the Gazan ruins in the hopes of emigrating away from occupied land. Winner of the DOC NYC International Grand Jury Prize.Filmmaker Areeb Zuaiter visited Gaza for the first time at the age of four, where she experienced her first encounter with the magic of the sea—a moment infused with her Palestinian mother’s smile—and left a lasting impression on her. Nostalgia for her homeland resurfaced when she discovered a video of young men practicing parkour on Gaza's sandy shores. Their joy starkly contrasted with the distant echoes of explosions. Longing to reconnect with her past, Zuaiter reaches out to the parkour team and forms a bond with athlete Ahmed. Together, they navigate the remnants of Gaza, exploring a cemetery, a run-down mall, and the remains of an airport. As their relationship deepens, Ahmed reveals the harsh realities of life in Gaza, transforming Zuaiter's initial curiosity into a profound awareness of the struggles he faces. Zuaiter grapples with feelings of guilt and conflict as she witnesses Ahmed’s desire to escape the confines of his homeland, understanding the emotional void such a departure would entail. Their journey becomes not only a quest to reclaim memories but also an exploration of identity, belonging, and the haunting legacy of a home left behind.Content Warning: This film contains material that may be difficult for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.