After a four-month ban, the documentary Al Awda will be screening at Filmhouse on 14 June 2026.
Earlier this year, what was once thought to be the final screening of the film ran on 1 January.
Al Awda offers a behind-the-scenes look at the 2018 Freedom Flotilla mission to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Among the activists on the boat was Singaporean exile Dr Ang Swee Chai. As the activists sail across the Mediterranean, they prepare for their confrontation with the Israeli navy. Through rehearsals and discussions, the film shows us how the activists practice mutual care, navigate spoken and unspoken fears, and make tactical decisions based on consensus.
A Journey to Break the Gaza Blockade
‘Al Awda’ (R21) documents a real-life 2018 mission in which 22 activists from 15 countries sailed toward Gaza in an attempt to break Israel’s blockade and deliver aid to Palestinians. Aboard the boat ‘Al Awda,’ the group prepared for the possibility of confrontation with the Israeli military, drawing lessons from earlier flotilla attempts.
The film situates this journey within a longer history of resistance at sea, shaped by the 2010 ‘Mavi Marmara’ raid, when Israeli commandos killed 10 activists and wounded more than 50 during a similar mission.
That tragedy looms over the activists as they rehearse scenarios, confront fear, and make collective decisions while sailing across the Mediterranean.
Ordinary People, Collective Courage
Rather than focusing on spectacle, ‘Al Awda’ centres on how ordinary people organise themselves under pressure. Through conversations, thorough planning and moments of reflection, the activists practice mutual care, consensus decision-making and solidarity while preparing for an encounter they know could turn dangerous.
The documentary connects the Gaza blockade to wider global crises, including climate breakdown, arguing that both demand urgent and collective action. Its message is clear: solidarity is something practiced through real risk and responsibility.
Director and Featured Activists
The film is directed by Jason Soo.
It features:
- Dr Ang Swee Chai, Singaporean exile
- Dr Afandi Salleh, Malaysian academic
- Yonatan Shapira
- Zohar Chamberlain Regev
Together, they represent a cross-border group of activists whose political commitments and personal histories shape the mission.
Screening Details
Date: Sun 14 June 2026, 1.30 pm
Venue: Filmhouse, Golden Mile Tower, Level 5
Tickets: https://filmhouse.sg/film/127/al-awda/
Official website, trailer, reviews & interviews here: https://linktr.ee/jasonsoo
Watch the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOOW8qvOzQc
Subject to IMDA approval, more screenings may be arranged if there is strong demand. There is also a sponsorship program to donate free tickets for precarious workers and migrant workers. Contact Jason (+65 92356065) if you want to be a recipient or a donor.
Festivals and Awards
• Singapore International Film Festival (Singapore, 2024)
• Split Film Festival (Croatia, 2025)
• Muslim Film Festival (Australia, 2025)
• Guernsey Film Festival (Channel Islands, 2025)
• Cambridge Film Festival (UK, 2025)
• Earth Film Festival (Brazil, 2025)
• Seoul Whistler Film Festival (South Korea, 2025)
Winner, Best Documentary Feature
• Multicultural Film Festival (Australia, 2025)
• Kolkata International Film Festival (India, 2025)
In Competition, NETPAC Award
• Girona Film Festival (Spain, 2025)
• Fabrique du Cinéma Awards (Italy, 2025)
Finalist, Best International Documentary
• Dhaka International Film Festival (Bangladesh, 2026)
In Competition, Cinema of the World
• Al Ard Film Festival (Italy, 2026)
• Ogeechee International History Film Festival (USA, 2026)
Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Historical Filmmaking
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
“Al Awda” to Hold Final Screening in Singapore on 1 January 2026
‘World’s first’ bookstore dedicated to Palestinian culture outside Palestine opens in Barcelona
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