In a world saturated with stories that often fade into the noise, GAUZE emerges as a powerful and resonant voice. This animated short film—created collaboratively by Noran Fikri Alezabi, Xinyue Ma, Xiaonan Zhou, Yulin Yue, and Nicholas Arujah—explores the profound complexities of childhood shaped by the harsh realities of war. At its center is Zain, a 14-year-old swimmer from Gaza whose dreams of athletic achievement are upended by the struggle to survive. In a tragic twist that has become a reality for many Palestinians, Zain transforms from a hopeful athlete into a desperate caretaker, forced to dive into the perilous sea in search of humanitarian aid, not for passion, but for survival. It’s a narrative deeply rooted in reality, inspired by the tragic story of Zain Orouq, who, in 2024, tragically lost his life while seeking relief in the besieged Gaza. Director’s Emotional Journey Noran Fikri Alezabi, an Egyptian art director specializing in 2D animation, reflects on the heavy emotional weight of creating GAUZE. Driven by a passion for storytelling that highlights resilience, humanity, and meaningful change, she reveals that the conception of the story was deeply intertwined with real…
