A new documentary titled Gaza’s Twins, Come Back to Me tells a poignant story of a mother and her newborns separated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Directed by Mohammed Sawwaf, known for his previous work on Eleven Days in May, the film will have its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) on November 16, 2023.
The film focuses on Rania, who was eight months pregnant when the Israeli military invaded the Gaza Strip in 2023. As her hometown in northern Gaza faced bombardment, she gave birth to triplets. Tragically, one girl did not survive, while the surviving twins, Jowan and Hamoud, were placed in incubators due to their fragile health. Following the evacuation of the hospital, the twins were relocated to southern Gaza, where Rania’s sister, Nisreen, took charge of their care. A travel ban has since prevented the twins from returning to their mother.
Over a span of 16 months, Gaza’s Twins, Come Back to Me captures the parallel lives of Rania and her twins. It explores the strong bonds of motherhood and family against the backdrop of war, revealing the emotional and physical challenges faced by those caught in conflict.
Documentary’s Immersive Approach
Sawwaf, who is also a producer and journalist based in Gaza, shared insights into the documentary’s creation. He noted, “In February, I had just begun to recover and regain some mobility after being injured in an Israeli airstrike in November 2023.” At that time, he was stranded in northern Gaza while his team operated in the south. Upon learning of the separated family, he felt compelled to document their experiences.
“The story touched me deeply: these were vulnerable twin babies, just three months old, caught between war zones,” he explained. He instructed his team to begin filming immediately, allowing the children’s reality to guide the narrative. “For 16 months, we followed the journey of the twins and their family: displacement, hunger, longing, and the deep need for connection,” he added.
The documentary employs an immersive and observational style, aiming to portray life as authentically as possible without interference.
Exclusive Clips and Insights
The Hollywood Reporter has debuted three exclusive clips from Gaza’s Twins, Come Back to Me. The first clip introduces Rania as she examines clothing for the twins, reflecting on the death of one of her triplets. The second clip features Nisreen discussing the health conditions of Jowan and Hamoud when she assumed responsibility for them. The final clip showcases Hamoud, surrounded by adults who talk about his physical challenges, with Nisreen reassuring him that he will one day learn about his experiences.
This documentary not only serves as a narrative of personal loss and resilience but also sheds light on the broader implications of war on families. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, Gaza’s Twins, Come Back to Me stands as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit amidst adversity.
