Award-winning film 'The Phoenix of Gaza' comes to Athlone's Dean Crowe Theatre

Athlone's Dean Crowe Theatre is set to host a screening of The Phoenix of Gaza, a film about Palestine, on Tuesday, June 24, at 8pm in Athlone's Dean Crowe Theatre.

The award-winning film by Palestinian-British filmmaker Yousef Alhelou captures Gaza’s beauty, spirit, and resilience, filmed just weeks before the devastating war began in October 2023.

He said "What started as a love letter to home became a heart breaking eulogy for a city and its people."

Through rare, personal footage, The Phoenix of Gaza preserves the memory of a vibrant society under siege, offering a powerful tribute to Gaza’s enduring soul.

After the screening, Mr Alhelou will host a discussion with attendees, as he reflects on the making of the film, the tragedy that followed, and the importance of preserving Gaza’s story.

The interview and discussion will be facilitated by well-known University of Galway Law Professor Donncha O’Connell.

Mr Alhelou is an independent journalist, political analyst, filmmaker, and content creator based in London, England.

He obtained a master’s degree in International Relations from Brunel University London and is currently a PhD candidate.

Yousef’s sister and her seven children were killed on December 10, 2023 by an Israeli strike on their home. They remain buried under rubble.

Dozens of his relatives and journalist colleagues are among the near 50,000 killed since October 7, 2023.

Ticket's are priced at €10 plus booking fee, with sales go directly to Yousef Alhelou’s fundraiser for his family in Gaza.

To purchase tickets, go to: https://www.deancrowetheatre.com/dean_event/the-phoenix-of-gaza/