03.11.25, 20:30, A State of Passion (2024), Films for Palestine

Hospitals shaken by rockets, medical staff targeted, and patients with no hope of pain relief. After 43 horrific days of non-stop work under constant bombardment in the emergency departments of Al Shifa and Al Ahli hospitals in Gaza, British-Palestinian surgeon Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah suddenly became the face of the Palestinian resistance. A State of Passion unfolds not only as a report of war, but above all as a report of humanity in the abyss and of the violence that lingers in the body.

Filmmakers Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi show Dr Abu-Sittah on two fronts: in the blood and dust of Gaza's operating theatres and in the silence that follows at home, on the road or in conversations with his family. With news footage of his work circulating around the world, Dr Abu-Sittah bore witness to a series of unimaginable atrocities. A State of Passion evokes a lot of anger, but also tries to understand how we can find activist courage and hope after being constantly confronted with this pain.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with journalist Frank Barat.

This screening takes place as part of Palestine Cinema Days, a globally organised series of screenings that draws attention to the ongoing genocide.

In collaboration with The Centre for Arabic, Islamic and Middle East Studies (CAIMES) & Middle East and North Africa Research Group (MENARG) as part of UGent Palestine Talks.