Fatma, a young Palestinian woman before being murdered in Gaza: “No one can defeat us, we have nothing to lose.”
She was only 24 years old. Neither bombs nor hunger could erase her wonderful smile. Fatma Hassona lived in Gaza. She dreamed of traveling to Rome one day. And also of a piece of chicken and an ounce of chocolate. She had studied Communications at the university in her hometown and wanted to be a photographer.
Living under siege "There's no daily routine, because you don't know when they're going to bomb. There's no electricity, water, or food."Iranian director Sepideh Farsi planned to film a documentary about life in Gaza, besieged by the Israeli army. But she was unable to enter the city. Through a group of Gazan refugees, she met Fatma and decided to let her recount the daily life of the cruelest war on camera. They communicated and made video calls for a year. These conversations were sporadic, as Fatma had difficulty charging her phone and accessing the internet.
Fatma's death "A mutual friend confirmed her death to me. For me, she's still alive, and that's my only consolation."Farsi recorded those conversations. With them and the photos Fatma sent her of the ruined Gaza, the Iranian filmmaker created the documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, a must-see film to understand the terrible situation of a people living among the rubble without water, electricity, or food, who have grown accustomed to the daily bombing. The film premiered in Cannes shortly after the cheerful Fatma was murdered. It has now been shown at the Atlàntida Film Fest, where Farsi gave this interview to La Vanguardia to recount the details of the most difficult shoot of her life.
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How did you come into contact with Fatma Hassona?
The news talked about Gaza, but only gave numbers. I became obsessed with being able to tell the human side of the story from the inside. I traveled to Cairo with the idea of passing through Rafah and entering Gaza. But in April 2024, when I arrived there, it was impossible because it was already blocked. Some people had managed to leave by paying 8,000 euros each. I followed a group of these refugees, and one of them told me: “My friend Fatma is a photographer, she’s in North Plaza, and she’s very talented; you have to meet her.” And that’s how it all began.
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You talked for a year. Of everything Fatma told you, what had the greatest impact on you?
During our first conversation, she told me she was proud to be Palestinian and that no one can defeat them because they have nothing to lose. It touched my soul. It was truly impactful. She showed no hatred or anger. She added, "Even if they try to destroy us, we will continue to laugh and live our lives." She was so positive...
Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi
MIQUEL A. BORRÀS / EFEHow long were they in contact?
We talked for almost a year, we started on April 24, 2024 and she was murdered on April 16.
His film is a must-see for a firsthand look at life in Gaza...
That's what I wanted: a voice and images from within, showing people's feelings and daily lives, opening a window to what's happening. And with Fatma, I had a voice and an image, because she sent me her photographs.
An image from the film
What is life like in besieged Gaza?
In Gaza, there's no daily routine, because you don't know when they're going to bomb. Or when there'll be electricity. And you have to go out to fetch water every morning. There's no food, and when you find it, you can't afford it. A kilo of flour has cost between $40 and $60 since March. Fatma came from a well-off family; her father is a doctor, but even they can't afford that price. In Gaza now, there are only lentils and a little flour.
'Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk'
Is there at least hope?
There was one at a time when it seemed the hostilities were about to cease. But it was lost. Fatma always knew there would be no change. She was much more lucid and realistic than I was.
How did you find out about his death?
We spoke on April 15th. On the 16th, I tried to connect to tell him about Cannes, but it wasn't possible. That night, I received a photo of Fatma on my phone with a message announcing her death. I thought it was a mistake. But an hour later, our mutual friend confirmed it. It's crazy, but for me, she's still alive, and that's my only consolation.
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