IFJ Condemns Surge in Israeli Army Attacks on Journalists in Southern Lebanon
January 20, 2026
New Digital Tool Aims to Protect Palestinian Journalists Amid Rising Violations
January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026 – General –
A documentary film about the life and work of Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna has won a major award at the 2026 Lumière Awards in France, bringing global recognition to both her journalism and the devastating circumstances of her death. Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, directed by Iranian-French filmmaker Sepideh Farsi, documents Hassouna’s life in the Gaza Strip during the prolonged conflict and was honoured in the documentary category at the ceremony. The film’s accolade cements its status not only as a work of cinematic merit but also as a tribute to a journalist whose life was cut short amid violence.
Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk was first selected for screening in the ACID parallel section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, where it drew significant attention for its intimate portrayal of life under siege in Gaza and Hassouna’s commitment to bearing witness. The film features extended video calls between the director and Hassouna, capturing her observations of civilian life, the impact of war, and her reflections on resilience and hope. The selection at Cannes — an important global platform for independent cinema — elevated both the film and Hassouna’s work in international cultural discourse.
Hassouna, who was 25 years old, was killed on April 16, 2025, when an Israeli airstrike struck her home in northern Gaza, killing her and ten members of her family. The strike occurred one day after the documentary was officially selected for Cannes, transforming the film’s premiere into a poignant posthumous tribute. Cannes organisers publicly expressed “profound sadness” at her death and emphasised that the film would help honour her memory and contributions.
Hassouna was known for her vivid photographic and documentary work capturing civilian life amid warfare and displacement, especially after foreign media access to Gaza was restricted by Israeli authorities. Her visual storytelling drew international admiration for its candid and humanised depiction of Gaza’s residents enduring bombardment and humanitarian crises. Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk thus serves both as a record of her journalistic practice and as an artistic testament to her courage and tenacity in reporting from one of the most dangerous environments for journalists.
The Lumière award recognizes excellence in non-fiction storytelling and aims to highlight works that significantly contribute to cultural understanding and public awareness. In recognising the documentary, the awards ceremony underscored the critical role of journalists like Hassouna in documenting conflict and the enduring impact of their work — even after their deaths.
Reference –
