Gaza Lives: Honouring Gaza’s artists and writers

Gaza is home to a flourishing cultural and artistic community despite an illegal occupation and blockade. In a matter of months, Israel has destroyed Gaza’s educational, cultural and artistic institutions; and killed so many of Gaza’s emerging and established artists. And yet, amid the rubble, music, art and joy still lives, providing comforts and tales by its presence.

Join TPFF for an unifying night of art and solidarity with Palestine. Our special guests from Toronto’s diverse arts community will help us share a selection of works from Palestinian artists we’ve lost, and those who are visioning Gaza’s liberated future.

Proceeds from the event will support TPFF’s 2024 programming and help us to continue showcasing Palestinian artistry, produce original films and offer educational workshops.

To support TPFF 2024 you can make a donation here: crowdfundr.com/tpff-2024

Refreshments will be served.

February 10, 2024, 6pm
University of Toronto

Painting credit: Heba Zagout (1984-2023), Gaza

We are honoured to have with us an incredible group of writers, filmmakers, artists and musicians who will present the works of Gaza’s talented artists featured at Gaza Lives. Learn more about their work:

Ayo Tsalithaba is a visual artist, writer and researcher from Ghana & Lesotho, based in Toronto.

Catherine Hernandez is a queer, award-winning author and screenwriter of Scarborough (adapted into an acclaimed film of the same name), Crosshairs, and other works.

Dalia Elcharbini is a contemporary Palestinian-Canadian artist who exhibits works in Canada and the US.

Ibrahim Abusitta is a prominent Palestinian-Canadian visual artist who lives and works in Toronto.

John Kameel Farah is an award-winning Palestinian-Canadian composer, pianist and visual artist based in Toronto and Berlin.

Nadia Shammas, is a Palestinian-American comics and games writer known for her work on Ms. Marvel: Stretched Thin and co-creator of Squire.

Roula Said is a Juno-nominated vocalist, poet, dancer and actor.

Sarah Polley is a Canadian filmmaker, writer, political activist and former actor. She won an Oscar in 2022 for her adaptation of Women Talking.

Wanda Nanibush is an Anishnaabe curator, activist and author from Beausoleil First Nation, and recipient of the 2023 Toronto Book Award for Moving the Museum: Indigenous + Canadian Art at the AGO