58 min
Johan Eriksson
Documentary
2013 - Palestine/Finland
Canadian Premiere

Road to Silverstone is an inspiring documentary about a team of students from Gaza and their dreams to reach the Silverstone racing circuit. The mechanical engineering students tirelessly work to build Palestine’s first Formula 1 racing car under the tutelage of their professor and cheerleader Dr. Ghassan Abu-Orf. Despite lacking crucial car components, the team manages to build a car and overcome numerous obstacles to get themselves and their car out of Gaza. For most, this is their first time out of Gaza. From there, the students and their car make the long journey to Silverstone, England, home of the British Grand Prix, to compete at the international Formula Student competition. The Palestinian team battle nerves and mishaps as they prepare to be judged by engineers from Formula One teams and the automobile industry looking for new talent. The Palestinian team, assessed alongside engineering students from top universities, make a strong impression on the judges and fellow competitors. This roller coaster of a film captures the ambitions of young people in Gaza and presents a side of Gaza rarely shown.
Awards:
Silver Prize, Objectif d'Argent at the Millenium Film Festival in Brussels

Co-presented by Regent Park Film Festival. FCJ Refugee Centre

Screened with Condom Lead & Message to Obama