Gaza Sunbirds

ORIGINAL TITLE: Gaza Sunbirds

GENRE: Documentary (in production)

COUNTRY: Belgium, UK, France, Palestina

YEAR: 2026

DURATION: 90'

DIRECTOR: Flavia Cappellini

PRODUCTION: Harald House, Perfidious, Urbania, Philistine Films

MARKETS: EsoDoc 2025, DocsBarcelona 2025 (Al Jazeera Documentary Channel Co-production Award), San Sebastian Lau Haizetara Forum (Dogwoof Development Award), Sheffield Doc Fest: Meet Market 2025 (Al Jazeera Documentary Channel Co-production Award), FIFDH Impact Days, Cannes Docs Palestine Showcase

READ THE PITCH DECK

The Gaza Sunbirds follows Ala’a, a young Gazan cycling champion whose life changes forever when he’s shot by an Israeli sniper. Determined to rebuild, he sets his sights on the Paralympics, inspiring others to join him. Together, they defy immense challenges—not just lost limbs, but war, blockade, and societal limits. As their journey unfolds with unexpected twists, their story transcends politics and sport, proving that their disability isn’t their biggest obstacle—the world is. At its heart, this is a story of resilience, unity, and the unstoppable desire to live, dream, and rise above.

The Gaza Sunbirds Arrive in Cannes on a Flotilla Boat [PRESS COVARAGE]

On Saturday, the Gaza Sunbirds took to the waters of the iconic Cannes Croisette carrying a giant “Gaza Lives On” banner, bringing a message of Palestinian resilience and survival into the heart of the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The team travelled to Cannes for the presentation of the documentary at Cannes Docs’ in Progress as part of the Palestine Showcase, using the moment to spotlight Gaza’s enduring spirit. PRESS SUMMARY: AFP: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYaeZmMPcIj/?i

Gaza Sunbirds Won Think-Film Impact Award at Cannes Docs

What a week in Cannes! We are honored that Gaza Sunbirds received the Think Film Impact award. So grateful to everyone who supported this journey.

Gaza Sunbirds at Cannes Docs 2026

We are excited to announce that our project Gaza Sunbirds has been officially selected in this years Palestine Showcase at Cannes Docs 2026 . Amid the ongoing struggle to preserve and sustain Palestinian narrative and cinematic continuity, the Palestine Film Institute (PFI) engages international platforms such as Cannes Docs as spaces for structured connection and collaboration. Through this Showcase, four Palestinian feature documentaries in progress are presented, offer