Rebuild Hope: Support a Gaza Filmmaker for Peace
Donation protected
Help Me Rebuild My Filmmaking Career in Gaza
My name is Yasser Abu Wazna, an internationally recognized, award-winning documentary filmmaker from Gaza. My films have long served as a powerful voice for the voiceless, revealing untold stories of resilience and survival from one of the world’s most conflict-ridden regions. My mission has been to shine a light on these challenges and to urge global decision-makers to pursue lasting peace.
The war that I have spent my life documenting has now profoundly affected my own family. We have lost our home, and my office—where I dedicated countless hours to my work—has been reduced to rubble. My family and I, like many others here in Gaza, are struggling to find stability as I endeavor to rebuild the career that has been my passion and my purpose.
The path forward is challenging, but I remain committed to telling the critical stories of Gaza—stories that can drive real change and inspire action for peace. I am raising $316,000 to help rebuild my career and continue producing these essential films. Due to the war’s impact, costs have surged dramatically, and prices for basic necessities have become irrational. This has led to higher-than-normal expenses, but these are the realities we face in a conflict zone.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how your generous donations will be used:
- Office Rental ($50,000): Securing a new, safe workspace for one year to collaborate with my team.
- Vehicle ($50,000): Purchasing a reliable car to transport my team and equipment to various filming locations, some of which are difficult to access.
- Salaries ($36,000): Compensating four essential team members—two cameramen, an audioman, and a lighting technician—whose expertise is crucial for maintaining production quality.
- Equipment ($80,000): Replacing critical filmmaking tools, including cameras, microphones, lighting, and editing software that were lost or damaged in the conflict.
- Miscellaneous Costs ($100,000): Covering unforeseen expenses such as travel, logistics, and other costs associated with filming under these extraordinary conditions.
I invite you to learn more about my work and achievements through the following links:
The funds raised will not only help rebuild my career but also ensure that the stories of those suffering in silence are heard. Your support is vital in continuing my mission to advocate for peace and document the human experiences that can inspire global empathy and action.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in bringing these crucial stories to light.
Thank you for standing with me and supporting the work that seeks to create change through film.
Fundraising team (2)
Yasser Abu Wazna
Organizer
New York, NY
Erica Berenstein
Team member