The Apollo of Gaza

The Apollo of Gaza is a 2018 documentary that provides a unique perspective of the besieged Strip, allowing audiences to explore the region through an archaeological lens. Directed by Nicolas Wadimoff, this 78-minute film features appearances by Nafez Abed, Jawdat Abu Ghurab, and Sami Abu Salem, who portray genuine perspectives of the select personalities inspired by the true events in the Gaza Strip.

At the heart of this documentary is an intriguing narrative about a fascinating archaeological find - a life-sized statue of Apollo, the ancient Greek god of poetry and music, discovered submerged in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Gaza. The date of the sculpture remains a mystery, with experts speculating it might be from anywhere between 5th century BC and 4th century AD - a range indicative of Gaza's rich and diverse history.

The Apollo of Gaza is a multi-layered documentary. On one level, it’s a fascinating mystery about a priceless relic's fate. On another level, it’s a powerful commentary on the Gaza Strip's complicated socio-political situation. Wadimoff skillfully weaves these elements together, making the film much more than a classic archaeological adventure. It becomes a multifaceted narrative reflecting Gaza's contradictions - a place brimming with a rich historical past, yet haunted by an intensely complicated present.

The film opens with captivating underwater footage, setting the scene for the tale of the discovery of the Apollo statue, said to have been found by a local fisherman. The statue was briefly seen and celebrated before suspiciously disappearing, sparking rumors and provoking an investigation. The myriad theories around its disappearance — whether it was melted down, hidden away, or sold on the black market – provide a treasure hunt element for the film.

Through this enigmatic narrative, Wadimoff presents the Apollo statue as a symbol of cultural heritage, historical wealth and the current complexities of the Gaza Strip. The select individuals involved in the documentary - Nafez Abed, Jawdat Abu Ghurab, and Sami Abu Salem - represent authentic societal perspectives, shedding insights into the socio-political aspects that are impacting the region's heritage preservation, or the lack of it.

The Apollo statue's journey is explored through interviews with vital figures in the story, from archaeologists, scholars, and dealers to everyday citizens. The perspectives uncovered create a unique window into the current state of the Gaza Strip, juxtaposing its archaeological richness against its contemporary realities. The film also touches upon the global black market for antiques, hinting at the potential loss of historical treasures to clandestine trade and the void it leaves behind in the cultural and historical tapestry of a place.

With its twists, the film maintains an air of suspense while maintaining its documentary-style narrative very well. The cinematography plays a significant role in telling the story, with the viewer offered captivating visuals of Gaza, contrasting its beautiful seascapes and historical richness against the harsh realities of a region under siege.

Even without offering a definitive conclusion to the fate of the Apollo statue, the film is successful in raising crucial questions about the preservation, appreciation, and potentially pervasive exploitation of cultural heritage. Wadimoff does not shy away from exhibiting the stark realities of life in Gaza, but the sculpture is the core symbol through which he navigates the situation, resulting in an unexpectedly fresh depiction of the region.

The Apollo of Gaza serves as a compelling watch, balancing the excitement of archaeological discovery with deeply insightful social commentary. It provides a rare exploration of Gaza's archaeologically rich past and a rejection of the idea that the region’s current conflicts define its entire identity. The journey of the Apollo statue elegantly narrates the broader story of the region, skillfully reflected in this cinematic work as being far more complex, diverse, and richly layered than its present-day image might suggest.