Welcome everyone! This is Mais, Taqwa, Raghad, and Farah E., from Gaza, along with Vera, in Porto. If you’re asking what the Lines to the Future project is, here’s an introduction!

Lines to the Future is an international collaboration between a 50 English language students at the Islamic University of Gaza and the University of Porto, and started in April 2025. It is also supported by the University of Glasgow and British Council Palestine. 

The project brought together students to craft powerful science fiction movies. Rooted in cultural exchange and visionary storytelling, it provided us with practical experience in filmmaking, particularly within the science fiction genre, and the opportunity to make new connections. In blending personal experiences with speculative imagination, we reflected on our realities while building new, shared worlds that transcend borders and inspire hope.

This website tells the story of the project through documenting our new connections, our writing, and the making of the films during genocide.

It also provides updates on screenings, events and new writing from students in Gaza.

Project Team:

Damian Ross Project lead, University of Porto

Dr Nazmi Al-Masri Co-lead, Islamic University of Gaza

Dr Sahar Alshobaki Project coordinator, University of Glasgow

Ali Makkeh Film production trainer and mentor, website design, Istanbul

Dr Dave Gerow Creative writing trainer and mentor, report editor, Glasgow

Dr Giovanna Fassetta Research lead, University of Glasgow

Dr Maria Grazia Imperiale Lines for Palestine lead, University of Glasgow

Beatrice Catanzaro Report design, Milan 

---