Citizen Osama review: An extraordinary portrait of the struggle to live in Gaza

Citizen Osama is a documentary that offers an extraordinary, intimate portrait of the struggle to live in Gaza. The film follows Osama Al-Ashi, a journalist and friend of the filmmaker, Ahmed Hassouna, as he navigates the daily challenges of life in northern Gaza. From the beginning, Hassanu emphasizes that journalists, like everyone else, need basic necessities such as water and food.

In one scene, a taxi driver refuses to take Osama because he is a journalist, showcasing the dangers and restrictions faced by those working in the region. Despite the hardships, Osama remains determined to keep working and fulfilling his dreams of becoming a filmmaker. The film follows Osama over the course of a year, as hunger deepens and the search for food, fuel, and water consumes his days.

The cinematography captures both the relentless destruction and the resilience of life in Gaza, with moments of striking beauty amidst the chaos. As Osama faces violence, malnutrition, and unsafe water, the film highlights the perseverance and care extended by his family and community. The documentary opens with Osama's son's birth and ends with his first birthday, illustrating the ongoing struggle and the small acts of hope that sustain them.

Throughout Citizen Osama, the emphasis is on the human connection and the basic instinct to care for one another, even in the most dire circumstances.