The Clown of Gaza

A portrait of the greatly beloved performer Alaa Meqdad, whose life has been upended by the bombings of Gaza City, forcing him and his family into a tent camp. With extraordinary optimism, he embraces life in the here and now, and tries to bring some joy to those around him. Together with his partner, he performs as Aloosh the Clown for children in hospitals and on the streets. Their jokes, songs, and boundless energy make the horrific reality momentarily disappear. Caught between hope for a ceasefire and despair amid the relentless horror of the war, they endure the loss of their loved ones and their homes. A return to their home—or what remains of it—comes into view when news arrives during filming that the roads to Gaza City have been reopened. Surprisingly uplifting, The Clown of Gaza is a moving celebration of humanity and love in pitch-dark times.