aljazeeradocumentary

Mariam Shahin has been making films about Gaza for over thirty years. When she moved to Gaza in 2005, she felt a powerful sense of optimism following the Israeli withdrawal. But by 2009, war had badly damaged its infrastructure, neighbourhoods, businesses and communities – and that optimism had evaporated. Now, in the wake of the even more destructive war that began on 7th October 2023, Mariam seeks out the people she has met in Gaza over the years – and reflects on the wasted potential and devastated lives after sixteen years of blockade and a year of one of the most destructive wars in Middle East history.

This work follows the life of Mustafa Mahmoud, tracing his academic journey, writings, and influence in the Arab and Islamic spheres. It highlights the phase of doubt he experienced intellectually before ultimately resolving it for good. The work also sheds light on new facts previously unknown, such as the pressures from Zionist groups on Al-Ahram newspaper to stop Dr. Mahmoud's articles, and how these pressures escalated to the point of contacting Osama El-Baz, the Information Secretary to the President, about the matter. Additionally, it discusses Mustafa Mahmoud's articles on the issue of intercession, which he wrote in his final days and which sparked significant reactions, including media campaigns against him. This section also chronicles his unique experience in presenting his famous program "Science and Faith," and it reviews the museum he founded as a club for scientists and his extensive charitable activities within the Mahmoud Mosque Association.