Flying Paper: film screening and craft workshop

PSC Stroud District are pleased to bring a family friendly screening of award winning documentary Flying Paper to the Trinity Rooms, Stroud. Filmed in 2013 this film is particularly relevant since the recent announcement by Israel's Defence Minister that kites will be treated as military targets. Kites are a symbol of hope, freedom and resistance for Palestinian children whose right to play is not just a human right but a lifeline for their survival.

Flying Paper is the uplifting story of Palestinian youth in the Gaza Strip on a quest to shatter the Guinness World Record for the most kites ever flown, a film co-produced with young filmmakers in Gaza.

The film follows Musa, a charismatic teenaged kite-maker in the village of Seifa, and Abeer an aspiring young journalist in the Jabalya refugee camp. They join a remarkable quest, along with thousands of other children, to shatter the Guinness World Record for the most kites ever flown. It showcases the creative resilience of these children making and flying kites despite the difficult realities they face in their daily lives. The film has been co-produced with young Palestinians in Gaza trained by the filmmakers through a youth media program called Voices Beyond Walls. Through the perspective of children and young people comes a story of determination and artistic expression as the youth in the film work together to achieve a shared goal.

While the record-breaking event is what drives the film's narrative arc, it is the everyday stories of the young kite makers that will touch audiences through their humor and playful spirit. The film seeks to humanize the conflict through a touching cinematic rendering of the fascinating kite culture among children as a form of creative resistance in Gaza.

Following the screening there is the opportunity to stay on or join us for a free craft workshop making kite decorations for our tree at this year's Christmas Tree Festival held at St.Laurence Church. 

Film doors 1.30pm, starts at 2pm.

Craft Workshop from approx 3.30pm-5pm, no need for a ticket just join after the film or arrive from 3.30pm.

We invite people of all ages to join us, this will be a relaxed screening where children are welcome. Children are free to attend but need to book a ticket.

Separate room available for crafts and play during the screening.

“A cinematic journey into the kite culture among Palestinian youth in the Gaza Strip, and their quest to shatter the Guinness World Record for the most kites ever flown.” - Alessandra Bajec, Progressive.org

"Flying Paper promises to be one of those films that I will never forget.” - Samya Ayish, CNN Arabic.

"The film offers a rare glimpse into the humanity of Gaza ...” - Debra Kamin, The Times of Israel.

• Run Time: 52 minutes + 10 minute sequal

• Year of Production: 2014

• Directed by Roger Hill and Nitin Sawhney

• Produced by Flying Paper Productions

  All profits from this event will be donated to The Hands Up Project a charity trust which, through its network of volunteers, connects children around the world with young people in Palestine. By means of online interaction, drama and storytelling activities, it enables the use of creativity and self-expression to promote mutual understanding, personal growth, and the development of English language skills.