While Gazans have been able to go to movie screenings which are held from time to time at theatres and other venues, such a full bill of films is a rare treat.
The festival's executive manager, Montaser Al-Sabe said he was proud of the festival in Gaza but that he hoped cinemas would open up again.
"We have cinemas in Gaza that are closed, open them," he said.
Around 300 films from 60 countries were submitted before organizers made their selection, which included films by four young local filmmakers who had the rare opportunity to show their work to local audiences.
All the films had to be reviewed ahead of screening by local authorities in Gaza, which has been controlled by the Hamas group since 2007.
Among the films on show was "Eleven Days in May", co-directed by Gaza director Mohammed Sawwaf and British director, which tells the story of 66 children killed in the 11-day war between Israel and Gazan forces in May 2021.
"We focused on their beautiful memories, their jokes and their dreams," Sawwaf said. "Cinema is a civilised and important means to get the voice of children and the people of Gaza to the world."
But for some, the festival will be all about the simple pleasure of going to the cinema and watching a movie with loved ones.
"Outside Gaza, I had stood in line and bought a ticket. I hope I go through the same experience here in Gaza Strip and that I can take my little family and watch a movie at a cinema together," said Amira Hamdan, who was there with her husband.
