There was a time in Gaza before October 7th, 2023, when things looked a little brighter for Palestinian boys – at least in comparison with what came after. That’s evident in this documentary where the director, a woman born in Nablus but now living in the U.S., makes contact in 2013 with Ahmad Matar, a boy who’s part of a group of parkour talents, performing their tricks and jumps all over Gaza.

There’s energy and joy among sand dunes and in the ocean, but the film also shows Ahmad reminding Areeb Zuaiter that she’s a tad naive about life in Gaza, which remains heavily restricted because of the occupation.

Leisurely paced (and less engaging whenever focus lies on the director’s personal story), the film still, appealingly, offers more hope than misery. 

2026-Sweden-Saudi Arabia-Palestine-Qatar. 89 min. Color. Directed by Areeb Zuaiter. Screenplay: Areeb Zuaiter, Phil Jandaly.