By: Ainn Ismahani
For renowned producer and director Erma Fatima, filmmaking is not merely about entertainment, it is a powerful medium that can stir empathy and give voice to humanitarian values, including the suffering of the Palestinian people.
She believes that the combination of powerful visuals and deep emotion in a film can leave a lasting impact on audiences, far beyond what can be communicated through news reports or social media.
“From the very beginning, films and dramas have been tools to open the public’s eyes to various issues whether social, moral, or humanitarian, it has long been that way and continues to make a profound impact on viewers.” she told Boom!.
However, the 57-year-old admits that producing a film centered on the Palestinian cause is no easy feat, given the financial constraints and limitations in shooting locations.
“We can’t film in Gaza because the situation there does not permit it. Many sets have to be recreated, which requires a large budget,” she explained.
Erma added that her inspiration to create a story about the Palestinian struggle arose after watching an Indonesian film titled Gaza, but she has had to put the project on hold for now due to financial limitations. — Boom!
