A new documentary titled Gaza’s Twins, Come Back to Me, directed by Mohammed Sawwaf, captures the poignant story of a mother and her newborns separated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The film is set to make its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) on November 16, 2023.
The documentary begins during a harrowing moment in 2023 when the Israeli military invades the Gaza Strip. Rania, who is eight months pregnant, gives birth to triplets amidst the chaos of bombings in her hometown. Tragically, one of the babies dies at birth, while the surviving twins, Jowan and Hamoud, face severe health challenges requiring them to be placed in incubators. As the situation escalates, the hospital is forced to evacuate, leading to the twins being relocated to southern Gaza under the care of Rania’s sister, Nisreen. A travel ban prevents the infants from reuniting with their mother, setting the stage for a narrative that spans over 16 months.
The film explores the themes of motherhood and family bonds during times of conflict, highlighting the emotional struggles and resilience of those affected by war. It captures the parallel lives of Rania and her twins, showcasing their longing and connection despite the physical barriers imposed by the ongoing violence.
Mohammed Sawwaf, a filmmaker and journalist based in Gaza, shares his personal experience while creating the documentary. In a director’s note, he recounts his own recovery from injuries sustained during an Israeli airstrike in November 2023, which left him trapped in northern Gaza while his team was stationed in the south. He was moved to document the separated family after learning about their plight.
“The story touched me deeply,” he reflects. “These were vulnerable twin babies, just three months old, caught between war zones.” He instructed his team to let the children’s reality guide the narrative, emphasizing the importance of building trust with the families involved.
Sawwaf describes the filming approach as immersive and observational, aiming for the camera to remain unobtrusive and to simply document life as it unfolded. Over the course of 16 months, the crew followed the twins and their family through experiences of displacement, hunger, and a profound need for connection.
The film features several clips that provide insight into the lives of Rania and her twins. One clip introduces Rania as she browses for clothes for the twins, reflecting on the death of one of her triplets. Another clip focuses on the surviving twins, showcasing Nisreen discussing their health conditions after taking them in. The final clip features Hamoud surrounded by adults discussing his physical challenges, with Nisreen reassuring him that he will eventually learn “everything that happened to you.”
Gaza’s Twins, Come Back to Me represents a critical addition to the discourse surrounding the humanitarian impact of war, and its premiere at IDFA highlights the power of documentary filmmaking in telling deeply human stories. The 38th edition of the festival runs from November 13 to 23, 2023, showcasing a wide array of impactful films and stories from around the globe.