In 2013, an ancient statue of Apollo was found in the waters off Gaza—before disappearing under mysterious circumstances. Is it the work of forgers, or a gift from the gods to a Palestinian people desperately in need of hope? Soon the rumours start to swirl, while behind the scenes local and international players start jostling—some driven by historical preservation and others by purely commercial interests. Filmed in Gaza and Jerusalem, The Apollo of Gaza plays out like a mystery built around a national treasure that is the stuff of dreams. The Apollo of Gaza is an engaging reflection on the …
In 2013, an ancient statue of Apollo was found in the waters off Gaza—before disappearing under mysterious circumstances. Is it the work of forgers, or a gift from the gods to a Palestinian people desperately in need of hope? Soon the rumours start to swirl, while behind the scenes local and international players start jostling—some driven by historical preservation and others by purely commercial interests. Filmed in Gaza and Jerusalem, The Apollo of Gaza plays out like a mystery built around a national treasure that is the stuff of dreams. The Apollo of Gaza is an engaging reflection on the passage of time and the fragility of civilizations, as well as a poetic and philosophical meditation that immerses us in the often-misunderstood realities of life in a place that continues to pay a heavy price for the seemingly endless Israeli-Palestinian conflict—a place where life doggedly carries on, resisting. Like a meteor streaking across the sky, the statue of Apollo brings a moment of light and beauty to Gaza. Can it help restore dignity to a people, revealing a glorious history and fostering pride in a nation often misrepresented and demeaned?
Brief “lesson launcher type” activity or a series of inquiry questions with a bit of context:
Documentary about a classic sculpture of Apollo that’s found in Gaza, Palestine, and then mysteriously disappears. French poetry read throughout with beautiful images to accompany the reading. What might have been the purpose of the documentary filmmaker in weaving poetry throughout the film? What does it add to the general theme and mood of the film? How might the circumstances surrounding the discovery of this statue have been different if it had not been found in Palestine? Does Palestine’s political situation influence the arts? How so? Research the history of the contested land in Palestine. What sorts of challenges do the Palestinian people continue to face on a daily basis? How might the conflict be resolved?