Watch Flying Paper

Flying Paper is a powerful and inspiring documentary that takes a close look at the resilience of Palestinian children in Gaza as they pursue their dreams of flying kites. The film, which was released in 2014, is directed by Nitin Sawhney and Roger Hill, and features a cast of real-life characters who share their stories of hope, determination, and perseverance.

The film begins by introducing us to the people of Gaza, a small strip of land located on the Mediterranean coast, which has been the site of conflict between Palestinian and Israeli forces for decades. Despite the ongoing tensions and the harsh realities of life in Gaza, the people here have a deep love for kite flying, a tradition that goes back generations.

We meet Musa Al Ghoul, a young boy who dreams of one day setting a world record for the longest kite ever flown. Musa lives with his family in a small house in Gaza city, where he spends his days building and testing kites. He is aided by his sister Widad, who is also an accomplished kite flyer in her own right. Together, they share a passion for kite flying that runs deep within their family and community.

As the film unfolds, we witness the incredible determination and perseverance of Musa, Widad, and their fellow kite flyers. We see how they use their creativity and resourcefulness to overcome the many obstacles they face, including the shortage of basic resources like electricity and food, and the daily violence and unrest that are a part of life in Gaza.

At the heart of the film is the story of the Gaza Kite Team, a group of young people who come together to pursue their shared love of kite flying. We see how they work together to build and fly their kites, and how they use their skills to overcome the challenges they face on a daily basis.

Central to the team is the larger-than-life figure of Abu Jayyab, a seasoned kite maker and mentor who teaches the children the art of kite flying. We see how he uses his wisdom and experience to inspire and motivate the children, and how he helps them to believe in themselves and their dreams.

Throughout the film, we are treated to stunning footage of the children flying their kites high above the rooftops of Gaza city, as well as breathtaking aerial views of the city and its surroundings. We also hear from a range of experts and activists who provide insight into the political and social context of the conflict in Gaza.

But what sets Flying Paper apart is its celebration of the resilience and creativity of the people of Gaza, and their ability to find joy and beauty in the midst of hardship. Despite the challenges they face, the children of the Gaza Kite Team never lose sight of their dreams and their passion for kite flying. Their determination and perseverance are an inspiration to us all.

In conclusion, Flying Paper is a powerful and moving documentary that shines a light on the strength and resilience of the Palestinian people, and their unshakeable commitment to hope and joy in the midst of adversity. Through the eyes of Musa, Widad, and the other members of the Gaza Kite Team, we are reminded of the power of human creativity and imagination, and of the enduring power of hope in the face of hardship.

Flying Paper is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.