Flying Paper

Flying Paper is a gripping documentary film that was released in 2014 and directed by Nitin Sawhney and Roger Hill. The film's narrative features not only professional narrative, but an innovative collaborative process, involving a group of young Palestinian children who participated in the film-making process. Among the primary casts are Musa Al Ghoul and Widad Al Ghoul, whose characters play significant roles in the overall unfolding of the film.

Set in the turbulent, penurious, and yet beautiful landscape of the Gaza Strip, the story spotlights a resilient community of children with unbelievable courage and vivid dreams. The film takes us on a journey where these children are crafting and flying paper kites, setting their sights on breaking the Guinness World Record for the most kites flown at once.

The film is imbued with youthful exuberance, encapsulated by the lively journeys of Musa and Widad - two dynamic, insightful and charismatic children from a small town of Seifa in Northern Gaza. Musa, a 16-years-old kite-maker displayed indisputable natural leadership abilities and traits that drive the collective kite-flying endeavor. Widad, on the other hand, a vivacious 16-year-old girl shows determination, as she pursues her aspiration of becoming a journalist and filmmaker by documenting the experiences in her own community.

Their lives, dreams, and aspirations unveil an inspiring story of resilience and hope amidst a conflict-torn environment. Flying Paper brilliantly portrays the spirit of these kids who are determined to achieve their goal, highlighting their courage and positivity in the backdrop of devastation. The kite-flying, in many ways, symbolizes their collective wish to soar high, overcoming the physical and metaphorical barriers posed by their surroundings.

The production value of the film deserves a mention. It was co-produced with a team of young filmmakers in Gaza trained by the filmmakers during production. The documentary does not only unfold as a gentle tale of human spirit and resilience but essentially provides an authentic and intimate portrayal of life in Gaza, as seen through the lens of the children who live there. They made the film themselves, exposing the reality of Gaza which is rarely shown by mainstream media, interspersed with moments of hope, despair, and the everyday in war-torn Gaza.

Further, Flying Paper testifies to the transformative power of art in enacting change. It’s more than just a documentary about children attempting to break a world record. It functions as a crucial medium that tells the world about the dire conditions of life under occupation. The film explores significant issues- the fight for peace, the cost of war, and the indomitable human spirit surviving amidst it all, through the simple but profound act of flying kites.

The original music by composer Michael Tan adds a heart-rending depth to the story. His composition amalgamates the visual elements of the tale, further emphasizing the feelings of these children who despite facing numerous adversities, never cease to hope and dream.

The film does not shy away from the emotional complexities or the political struggles of Gaza. It’s profoundly political but not overtly partisan. Despite being charged with an underlining tension and simmering crisis, at its heart, it is a story about children caught in a difficult world outside their control, who finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, like flying a paper kite.

In conclusion, Flying Paper is not just a film, it is a journey that takes you through the confines of confined spaces, into vast skies filled with hundreds of colorful kites. Its inherent message is of resilience, courage, and the indefatigable spirit of the human person.