Al Jazeera English wins prestigious overseas Press Club Award for ‘Rescue Mission Gaza’

Al Jazeera English has secured yet another accolade in its illustrious history, this time winning the prestigious Overseas Press Club of America award for its gripping Witness film, ‘Rescue Mission Gaza’.

The documentary clinched the coveted Edward R. Murrow category for the best TV, video or documentary interpretation of international affairs, marking a significant achievement for the global news network.

The award ceremony, held in the heart of New York City on April 25, served as a testament to the exceptional storytelling prowess of Al Jazeera English.

‘Rescue Mission Gaza’ takes viewers on an intense journey through the harrowing experiences of a civil defence worker in Gaza City. With a focus on the relentless struggles faced by civilians, the film offers a visceral portrayal of a single, tumultuous day where the protagonist and his team navigate through a landscape rife with danger and destruction. From dodging bombs to rushing injured individuals to hospitals and rescuing children trapped in rubble, every moment captured in the documentary is fraught with tension and raw emotion.

Jurors heaped praises on the film for its raw and unflinching style of storytelling. They commended the filmmakers for exercising immense restraint while bearing witness to overwhelming devastation and danger. One juror confessed to being “dumbfounded” by the documentary’s impact, while another lauded it as “extraordinary” in its portrayal of the human spirit amidst adversity.

Issa Ali, Acting Managing Director of Al Jazeera English, expressed profound pride in the network’s commitment to journalistic excellence and the relentless pursuit of truth. He lauded the courage and dedication of the team, particularly those on the front lines in Gaza who tirelessly work under perilous circumstances to shed light on untold stories.

Executive Producer Fiona Lawson-Baker extended gratitude to the Overseas Press Club of America for recognizing the film’s significance. She credited the bravery and talent of the team in Gaza for bringing ‘Rescue Mission Gaza’ to life, highlighting the collaborative effort that made the documentary possible in record time.

Mohammed Al-Hamadi, Manager of Programmes - Documentaries for Al Jazeera English, congratulated the entire Witness team, Alef Multimedia, and all those involved in the production of ‘Rescue Mission Gaza’ for their outstanding achievement. He emphasized the importance of telling such courageous human stories that challenge the status quo and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Established in 1939, the Overseas Press Club of America has long been a beacon of excellence in journalism, recognizing the efforts of foreign correspondents in the US and around the globe. The Edward R. Murrow Award, named in honour of the legendary American broadcaster and war correspondent, celebrates outstanding TV interpretation and analysis of foreign affairs.

Al Jazeera English’s latest triumph adds to its growing list of accolades from the OPC, including previous wins such as Fault Lines’ ‘No Country for Haitians’ and notable mentions like the Mexico news team’s report on COVID and 101 East’s ‘Selling West Papua’. With ‘Rescue Mission Gaza’, the network once again demonstrates its unwavering commitment to delivering powerful and impactful journalism that resonates with audiences worldwide.