Creative Documentary Centre-Puppet Theatre and Poetry in Gaza

Art is resistance. Poetry is hope.

On Friday, March 20th, the Creative Documentary Centre of Kalamata, UNIMA HELLAS (Hellenic Puppetry Centre), and the Experimental Stage of Kalamata join forces for an evening of deep solidarity.

On the dual occasion of World Puppetry Day and World Poetry Day (March 21st), you are invited to a special tribute in support of Palestinian artists who continue to create amidst the ruins.

Screening Programme:

Part 1: Tribute to Palestinian puppeteer Mahdi Karira

• We Truly Deserve Life! (9’30’’): A filmed sand theatre performance directed by Catherine Gignac, based on Mahdi’s testimony at the Floating Castle Festival (Slovenia, 2025).
• Everything That Is (20’): A documentary directed by Shourideh C. Molavi (2025), following Mahdi as he creates his puppets in the ruins of Gaza, accompanied by unpublished poems by Jawad al-Aqqad.
• The Awakening (4’57’’): A short film directed by Mahdi Karira himself, featuring his puppets. It is the 22nd and final chapter of the major project From Ground Zero (2024).

Part 2: Tribute to Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha

• Free Words: A Poet from Gaza: A powerful documentary by Abdullah Harun Ilhan, awarded both the Audience Award and Best International Short Documentary at the 11th Peloponnese International Documentary Festival. The film captures his art as a form of resistance, as well as his detention and exile from Gaza.

We look forward to welcoming you at Doc Cafe to give a voice to those who need it most.

Information:

• When: Friday, March 20th
• Time: 20:00 (arrival starts at 19:30)
• Where: Doc Cafe, 6 Koutsomidoupoulou Street, Kalamata
• Admission: Free (minimum consumption: €3)