Gaza survivor defies the silence
IN THE age of social media and instant connectivity, storytelling has taken on new dimensions. Now, more than ever, individuals from all corners of the globe have the power to share their experiences, shedding light on realities often overlooked by traditional media channels.
One such individual is Ahmad Ghunaim, a Gazan travel vlogger, whose journey took an unexpected turn amidst the chaos of conflict.
Ghunaim’s story is not just about documenting his homeland’s beauty but also about bearing witness to its trials and tribulations. His upcoming documentary, Ahmad Alive, produced by immersive storytelling company, Seen TV, will premiere in South Africa this month.
It encapsulates his harrowing experiences during Israel’s devastating war on Gaza. What began as a pursuit of showcasing Gaza’s beauty evolved into a mission to reveal the stark realities of life under siege.
Reflecting on his transformation from a travel vlogger to a war journalist, Ghunaim recounts: “It all started before October 7, before the war.
“I was a vlogger … My dream was to be a travel vlogger, but because I live in the world’s largest open-air prison, I can’t travel outside.”
Faced with the blockade that restricts movement in and out of Gaza, Ghunaim redirected his lens towards the unfolding events within his homeland.
The catalyst for Ghunaim’s transition was the banning of foreign journalists from Gaza during the conflict.
Determined to defy the silence enforced by geopolitical barriers, he picked up his phone and embarked on a mission to document the truth.
“I said that, along with all the other content creators in Gaza, I will start to film and show the world what is happening there,” Ghunaim affirms, underscoring the power of grassroots journalism in amplifying marginalised voices.
The documentary, Ahmad Alive, captures the intensity of Ghunaim’s experiences as his very existence hangs in the balance amidst displacement.
Forced to flee his home after it was targeted, Ghunaim found himself living on the streets, seeking refuge in hospitals, cars, and tents. His journey from vlogger to war journalist epitomises the resilience and resourcefulness of individuals thrust into the throes of conflict.
Ghunaim recently fled Gaza and made his way to South Africa. Leaving Gaza, he recounts, was an arduous ordeal compounded by the chaos of war.
“If it’s hard to leave during normal days, then how can I leave during the war?” he reflects.
After months of persistence, Ghunaim managed to make his way to Johannesburg, where he continues to advocate for the voices of Palestinians through Seen TV’s platforms.
Yusuf Omar, co-founder of Seen TV, emphasises the significance of Ahmad’s documentary in challenging conventional narratives about Gaza.
“The western media coverage of Gaza
has shattered many people's trust of legacy media companies. We are really excited about the Gaza content at our film festival, because it represents a necessary
and new type of journalism. At Seen TV, our mission is to help people be seen and push the boundaries of immersive storytelling.
“The Ahmad Alive documentary is an example of mobile journalism at its very best. And we’ve helped thousands of other storytellers across Gaza and around the world to share their extraordinary experiences too,” said Omar.
He said Seen TV’s commitment to immersive storytelling aimed to bridge the gap between mainstream media’s portrayal and the lived realities of individuals like Ghunaim.
Furthermore, Seen TV’s upcoming film fest in South Africa serves as a platform to showcase Ghunaim’s documentary, alongside other compelling narratives from Gaza. It will not only provide a glimpse into the human experiences often overshadowed by headlines but also serve as a fundraiser for Gaza. All proceeds from ticket sales go to the Gift of the Givers’ Gaza Fund, supporting relief efforts in the region.
Ahmad Alive premieres in three cities in South Africa; Durban on April 12 (Nu Metro Pavilion), Johannesburg on April 13 (Nelson Mandela Foundation) and Cape Town (Nu Metro Canal Walk) on April 14.
Today, Ghunaim is based in Johannesburg, empowering more Palestinians to share their stories with Seen TV’s 7 million subscribers. Film fest attendees will have the opportunity to meet Ghunaim in person and watch short films from other Gazan storytellers.
All these films contribute to Seen TV’s content offering, building the
World’s Largest Human Experience Library. The organisation’s goal is to empower millions globally to share their stories by creating a more empathetic and understanding world.
As audiences prepare to witness Ghunaim’s journey unfold on the big screen, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire empathy and catalyse change.
Through Ahmad Alive, viewers are invited to embark on a transformative journey, bearing witness to the indomitable spirit of resilience amidst adversity.