Documentary

Abdelfattah, a circus performer forced to leave Gaza, entertains local children by performing as a clown, offering moments of happiness amid the conflict. He continues his work in his daily life despite the harsh realities of war and an uncertain future.

Displaced Smiles is an episode‑style programme that follows a single, poignant story. It belongs to the broader series that spotlights individuals coping with upheaval, and this particular instalment centres on a man whose life has been turned upside down by conflict. The focus of the episode is Abdelfattah, a circus artist who was forced to leave Gaza. Though he now lives as a displaced person, he continues to perform as a clown, using his craft to lift the spirits of children who are growing up amid the harshness of war. His routine is a bright spot in an otherwise bleak environment, offering the youngsters a brief escape from the realities that surround them. Abdelfattah’s background as a circus performer informs the way he engages with the kids; his skill with colour, humour and physical comedy becomes a tool for comfort. Even as the uncertainty of his own future looms large, he remains committed to bringing laughter to the young audience, showing how art can persist despite the surrounding turmoil. The episode therefore captures a stark contrast: the grim backdrop of conflict and the hopeful, fleeting joy that Abdelfattah creates through his clowning. It highlights how, even when the future is unclear, a displaced performer can still make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who need it most.