The idea behind Gaza Sound Man is to capture the raw power of sound as a vessel for storytelling, specifically within the context of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The film’s central goal is to document the profound impact of sound on the lives of those affected by the war while highlighting the transformation of Gaza’s soundscape before and after the war. Through the lens of sound engineer Mohamed Yaghi, we explore how audio can communicate both the horrific realities of war and the resilience of those who endure it.
We aimed to give voice to the people of Gaza, focusing on four individual stories that embody the larger human experience of survival, loss, and hope. From a child deprived of education to a mother giving birth amidst the chaos, these narratives reflect the deep personal toll of the war. The primary goal was not just to record sound, but to understand its power as a tool for emotional connection and human understanding.
In doing so, we sought to create a visceral, auditory experience transcending traditional storytelling, allowing audiences to feel the weight of Gaza’s reality through its soundscape. Ultimately, Gaza Sound Man serves as a testament to the endurance of those who continue to live in the face of relentless destruction, and to the indomitable strength of human resilience.
To bring Gaza Sound Man to life, we embraced an innovative approach to storytelling where sound became the central element. The journey began a month before the war when sound engineer Mohamed Yaghi, who had previously worked with us on another documentary, recorded sounds in Gaza. When the war erupted on October 7, 2023, Mohamed continued his work, capturing the stark contrast between the sounds of life and death. Filming under extreme conditions in a tent amidst constant shelling, the team faced not only physical challenges but also a metaphor for our work: the fragile space of creativity amidst destruction. This environment became a key backdrop for the film.
A central feature of Gaza Sound Man is the interplay of soundscapes. The film merges moments of everyday life with the jarring sounds of war, underscoring the drastic shift in Gaza’s sound environment while conveying the emotional toll of the war. The sound serves as a bridge to the viewer's empathy, transforming the raw, disturbing noises into a narrative of resilience and survival.
Throughout the process, we faced numerous challenges. Communication between the teams in Qatar and Gaza was hindered by frequent power outages in Gaza, while logistical difficulties included securing equipment and the constant danger of airstrikes targeting vehicles. The psychological strain of witnessing firsthand the horrors of war and the loss of many crew members’ families and friends further complicated the production. Despite these hardships, we pushed forward, using these challenges to shape the emotional core of the film. We blended urgency with craftsmanship to create a story that resonates deeply with viewers.
Our creative approach included detailed editing and layering of sounds to heighten the emotional impact of the narrative. Each scene was carefully constructed to reflect the resilience of the people in Gaza, with sound playing a pivotal role in expressing their stories. Sound has the unique power to evoke empathy in ways that visuals alone cannot. By immersing the audience in Gaza’s auditory experience, we turned trauma into a narrative of hope, providing a deeper understanding of the strength of the human spirit in times of adversity.
What distinguishes Gaza Sound Man is how it elevates sound to a cinematic icon. Sound transcends its technical function to become a witness to an ongoing tragedy, embodying the collective suffering and resilience of the people of Gaza. The documentary focuses on the auditory experience to tell a story that visuals alone could not fully express, offering an empathetic perspective on the human toll of war. Through this innovative use of sound, Gaza Sound Man transforms the painful realities of Gaza into a powerful story of endurance and hope.
The results of Gaza Sound Man have successfully met our team's objectives by generating deep emotional and intellectual engagement with audiences and sparking important conversations on the human cost of war. The film’s unique use of sound as a central narrative tool has resonated deeply, leading to widespread acclaim. At the 15th edition of the Karama Human Rights Film Festival in Jordan, the film received the prestigious "Anhar" Award for Best Documentary Film in December 2024. This recognition highlighted the film’s ability to document the realities of war and provoke thought and reflection on the ethical implications of media representation of conflict.
The film's success has extended beyond the festival circuit, capturing the attention of international film industry professionals and producers. This wider recognition has solidified Gaza Sound Man's place in the global discourse on war and media. Furthermore, its success reached a broader audience when it became the most-watched film on Al Jazeera 360 in October 2024, indicating the wide resonance and cultural relevance of the film.
The screening at McGill University in Montreal also contributed to the film’s impact, as it moved many students to tears. Their deep emotional responses reflect how effectively the film conveys the psychological truths of war. These screenings and the subsequent discussions have raised awareness, evoked empathy, and underscored the film’s success in capturing the human experience of war, achieving both cultural and educational significance globally.
However, the most significant result and impact is capturing the essence of everyday life amidst the horrors of genocide.