Tarwida

The Gaza Kitchen: Food, Resistance, and Reclaiming Narrative | Laila El-Haddad

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Today, Palestinian author and activist Laila El-Haddad explores the intersection of food, politics, and identity. Discussing her acclaimed books The Gaza Kitchen and Gaza Mom, El-Haddad reflects on how culinary traditions serve as "repositories of dignity" and vital acts of resistance. The conversation spans from the unique spicy and herbaceous flavor profiles of Gazan cuisine to her experience filming with Anthony Bourdain and her activism, including her court case against the Biden Administration. Ultimately, Laila illustrates how heritage cooking has transformed from a cultural archive into a primary tool for survival and agency in the face of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

This episode is hosted and produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This conversation was recorded on December 2nd, 2025. You can watch it on YouTube, here.

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture, and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists, including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Laila El Haddad on Instagram (@gazamom)
Read Laila’s award-winning essay, A Cuisine Under Siege
Get Laila’s books, The Gaza Kitchen and Gaza Mom
Read Edward Said’s Permission to Narrate
Learn more about Dr. Refaat Alareer
Learn more about Yousef Abu Rabee
Follow Renad Attallah (@renadfromgaza)
Follow Hamada Shaqoura (@hamadashoo)
Learn more about Aboud Battah

Zaghareed, Hakawati and Palestinian Storytelling | Sally Shalabi

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Long before books and screens, people relied on storytelling to connect with one another, remember their past, and make sense of the world around them.

In this episode, we sit with Palestinian storyteller Sally Shalabi to explore the Palestinian context of this ancient tradition. As she invites us into her craft, we learn how she reimagines and adapts traditional stories to make them resonate with our time.

For Sally, storytelling is far more than just entertainment, it helps us imagine what liberation from a settler colonial reality might look like, which is the first step towards building alternative futures.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi and produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Video Editing by Ahmed Ashour. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This conversation was recorded on February 24, 2026. You can watch it on YouTube, here.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Sally Shalabi on Instagram (@hakawatieh)
Visit Sally’s website
Listen to Sally’s Zaghareed podcast
Watch Sally’s performance وأنا شفت
Watch Sally’s Ted Talk
Follow Hakaya on Instagram (@hakayanetwork)

Women Artists in Times of War | Lilies of Gaza (Arabic Episode)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 2 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

In an effort to preserve and document the work of 22 female artists from Gaza, a book titled Lilies of Gaza was created bringing together their paintings, voices, and stories. In this episode, we speak with the project’s curator, Inas Deeb, alongside artists Rana Batrawi and Mai Shaer, whose works have been featured in the collection.

Together, they reflect on what it means to create art an under siege and bombardment, and how they managed to overcome cultural erasure in times of genocide.

The book is published by Dar al-Kalima University Press- Rami Zahi Khouri Hub. It is compiled by Inas Deeb and Rana Batrawi, edited by Hidaya Shamun, reviewed by Ehab Bessaiso, designed by Sharif Sarhan, and translated by Wala’a Sabbah. Foreword written by Vera Tamari.

This episode is hosted and produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Video Editing by Ahmed Ashour. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Special thanks to Power Group Studios- Beit Jala. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This conversation was recorded on January 17, 2026. You can watch it on YouTube, here.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Dar Al-Kalima is a Palestinian University located in Bethlehem specialized in Arts, Culture & Design. Visit their website and follow them on Instagram (@daralkalimauniversity)
Follow Mai Shaeir on Instagram (@maishaer_art)
Check out Rufaida Sehwail’s art

Relevant Tarwida Episodes:

Listen to our episode with Malak Mattar

Food is Political | Fadi Kattan (Replay)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Join us as we welcome renowned chef Fadi Kattan to Tarwida, diving deep into his rich family heritage and unique culinary journey. Fadi shares fascinating stories of his upbringing, the profound influence of his Teta’s kitchen, and his commitment to celebrating Palestinian cuisine through his acclaimed restaurants and his book Bethlehem, which celebrates Palestinian flavors and highlights the importance of local artisans and producers.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This conversation was recorded on March 19, 2025.

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the I forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics! Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Fadi Kattan (@fadi.f.kattan) on Instagram

Order his book, Bethlehem (https://geni.us/bethlehem)

Visit his restaurants! Akub in London (@akub.london) and Louf in Toronto (@louf.toronto)

If you find yourself in Bethlehem be sure to stay at his boutique hotel Kassa (@kassahotel)

Watch his YouTube series, Teta’s Kitchen

Palestinian Stand Up Comedy | Alaa Abu Diab (Arabic Episode)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 2 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Tarwida, we sit down with Palestinian comedian Alaa Abu Diab for a sharp, poignant, and darkly witty conversation. We talk stand-up comedy as a craft: how jokes are built, why cities develop different humors, and what it means to laugh from inside catastrophe- not as escape, but as confrontation.

Alaa also shares insights about his latest shows, including “Virtual Reality”, which is currently touring across Europe and the Arab region. He reflects on how live performance creates an intimate space for collective reflection and release.

This conversation was conducted in Arabic and recorded on November 30, 2025. You can watch it with English subtitles on YouTube through this link.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Alaa Abu Diab on Instagram (@alaabudiab)
Book your tickets to Alaa’s upcoming shows
Learn more about Ghassan Kanafani
Follow Palestinian comedians:
Ayman Nahhas
Hanna Shammas

Relevant Tarwida Episodes:

Listen to our episode with Maysoon Zayid

The Voice of Hind Rajab | Kaouther Ben Hania (Arabic Episode)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 22:00:00 +0000

When six-year-old Hind Rajab reached out to the Red Cross for help in January 2024, the ambulance car was 8 minutes away from her. She could have been saved, but instead, the Israeli army murdered her and two of the rescuers in cold blood. Her voice went on to haunt millions around the world, standing as a chilling testament to the brutality and impunity with which Israel continues to commit genocide.

In an attempt to document and remember Hind, Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania felt compelled to create The Voice of Hind Rajab; an Oscar short-listed film that documents the devastating story.

In our conversation, Ben Hania reflects on the ethical and artistic choices behind the film, the responsibilities filmmakers carry when the violence they address has not ended, and the role of cinema as an act of listening.

This conversation was recorded on December 21, 2025. You can watch it on YouTube, here.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Kaouther Ben Hania on Instagram (@kaoutharbenhania)
Read Forensic Architecture’s investigation on the killing of Hind Rajab.
Watch Al Jazeera’s documentary on the killing of Hind Rajab.

Watch the trailers of Kaouther Ben Hania’s films:

From Nakba to Now: Palestinian Memory, Cinema, and Resistance | Cherien Dabis

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Cherien Dabis) — Mon, 5 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

During the 1990 Gulf War, Palestinian filmmaker, writer, and actress Cherien Dabis experienced racism for the first time while living in the United States. These experiences shaped her path toward filmmaking and commitment to Palestinian storytelling.

In this episode, we hear more from her about her beginnings and delve into her latest Oscar short-listed feature film, All That’s Left of You, which traces a Palestinian family’s journey from the Nakba of 1948 to 2022, examining intergenerational trauma and life under occupation. Cherien explores

In addition to that, we spotlight her other notable works, including Amreeka, Ramy, and Mo, and discuss how comedy and TV have brought the Palestinian story to the American mainstream.

This conversation was recorded on November 26, 2025. You can watch it on YouTube, here.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Cherien Dabis on Instagram (@cheriendabis)
Get tickets to see Cherien’s new film, All That’s Left of You
Watch Cherien’s first feature film, Amreeka (2009)
Watch Cherien’s second feature film, May in the Summer (2013)
Watch Mo on Netflix
Learn more about Palestinian author Hala Alyan
Learn more about up-and-coming director, Sarah Mokh
Learn more about Suad Amiry and her novel, Sharon and My Mother-in-Law (2003)

Palestinian Tatreez: How Embroidery has become a Language of Art and Resistance | SILA

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Tarwida, we take you on a virtual tour of SILA, a collaborative exhibition, that brings together artists and artisans to explore how Tatreez (Palestinian embroidery) has evolved from a traditional craft into a powerful language of identity and resistance.

Showing at Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah from September 2025 to January 2026, SILA presents contemporary interpretations of Tatreez across a wide range of mediums, including ceramics, pottery, fashion, design, installation, and even sound.

The founder of SILA, Rula Alami, joins us to discuss how the Inaash Association has worked for decades in Palestinian refugee camps across Lebanon, preserving and evolving the heritage of Tatreez while creating sustainable livelihoods for women artisans.

The episode also features a conversation with SILA curators Cima Azzam and Noor Suhail, who share insights into the curatorial process. They reflect on the central role of women artisans in preserving collective memory, how Tatreez has transformed from village craft into a cultural language, and how the exhibition engages with themes of identity, memory, resistance, and continuity.

We close with interviews with three of the twenty-five participating artists — Zaid Farouki, Areen Hassan, and Samar Hejazi — who reflect on their individual works and creative approaches to Tatreez.

Whether you’re drawn to Palestinian culture, contemporary art, textile practices, or stories of resilience, this episode offers a rare, layered perspective on how creativity becomes a form of endurance.

Our guest host is Dana Alhanbali. The episode is produced by Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

These conversations were recorded in November of 2025.

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists, including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

To learn more about SILA, visit their website here
To learn more about The Inaash Association and their artisans, visit their website here
Follow Rula Alami (@kiyanart) and visit her website here
Learn more about Cima Azzam and the Maraya Art Center here
Learn more about Noor Suhail and the 1971-Design Art Space here
Follow Zaid Farouki (@zaidfarouki) and visit his website here
Follow Samar Hejazi (@samarhejazi) and visit her website here
Follow Areen Hassan (@by_areen) and visit her website here

See below to learn more about the mentioned artists and their work:

Hazem Harb, Visual Artist
Ghassan Kanafani, Author
Huguette Caland, Artist and Founder of the Inaash Association
Liane Al Ghusain, Artist and Writer
Naima Almajdobah, Multidisciplinary Designer
Wafa Ghnaim, Historian and Author
Amer Shomali, Interdisciplinary Visual Artist

Participating SILA artists:

Amer Shomali – Abdel Rahman Katanani – Areen Hassan – Aya Haidar – Bokja – Cristiana de Marchi – Dahouk Chamsi-Pasha – Farah Behbehani – Hazem Harb – Katya Traboulsi – Joanna Barakat – Leila Jabre Jureidini – Liane Al Ghusain – Maysaloun Faraj – Nada Debs – Naima Almajdobah – Naqsh Collective – Nour Hage – Omarvis – Sama Alshaibi – Samar Hejazi – Samia Halaby – Tala Hammoud Atrouni – Steve Sabella – Zaid Farouki

Palestinian Music, Jazz and Tarab Explained | Nai Barghouti

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Nai Barghouti, Tala Elissa) — Mon, 8 Dec 2025 14:18:32 +0000

Nai Barghouti - Palestinian singer, flutist and composer discovered the power of her voice at age four, when the occupation forces moved into her building during the Second Intifada. Since then, Nai uses music as a form of defiance and identity.

In this episode, she shares how legendary artists like Umm Kulthum, Fairuz and Ziad Rahbani shaped her sound and how she re-imagines Palestinian folklore through a unique fusion of jazz, blues and tarab styles.

She explains her signature vocal technique, “Naistrumentation,” a style where the voice itself becomes an instrument — blending scat-inspired jazz vocalization, Arabic ornamentation, and Palestinian heritage. Expect discussion of her journey, creative collaborations, cultural roots and how music becomes resistance.

This conversation was recorded on November 24, 2025. You can watch it on Youtube here.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Nai Barghouti on Instagram (@naibarghoutiofficial)
Listen to more of Nai’s music (Spotify, YouTube, Apple)
Read more about the connection between Islamic music and the blues here
Listen to Nai on Curious Ears
Learn more about Ziad Rahbani
Buy tickets for Together for Palestine on December 9th, 2025 in Paris

Music included:

قَلْبي يُحَدِّثُني - ناي البرغوثي | Qalbi Yuhadithuni
Li Fairuz
Xena
If I Must Die - Poem by Refaat Alareer, music by Nai Barghouti
Steps
Athem of the Land
Inta Omry, originally by Umm Kulthum, performed by Nai Barghouti
Sallimli Aleih, originally sung by Fairuz and composed by Ziad Rahbani, performed by Nai Barghouti
“Badri Aleina” - written and composed by Jalal Nader from Palestine. Children choirs from Gaza, directed by Fouad Khader and Jaber Thabet - trained in part at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (ESNCM) by Sheryn Zeidan.

Palestine36 | Annemarie Jacir

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

When filmmaker Annemarie Jacir began searching for her next film, she found herself returning to a moment many prefer to forget, the 1936 revolt, when Palestinians rose together against the British colonial rule, long before today's occupation took shape. This film, Palestine36, eventually became a 9-year journey into archives, historic villages, and the ways history leaves its mark. In this episode, she reflects on how the film came to life, and we also dive into her three other feature films, all of which were submitted to the Oscars.

Raised between Saudi Arabia and Bethlehem, and now living in Haifa, Annemarie has always existed between worlds. We delve deeper into how this has shaped her and how she and other Palestinian filmmakers manage to make creation possible under impossible conditions.

This conversation was recorded on November 5, 2025. You can watch it on YouTube, here.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Annemarie Jacir on Instagram (@annamariajacir)
Find where to watch her newest film Palestine36, here
Learn more about Farkha Village, here
You can read Rashid Khalidi’s book, Palestinian Identity (1997), here, and The Hundred Years War on Palestine (2020), here

Watch Annemarie’s films below:

Mentioned Tarwida Episodes:

Saleem Al Beik

What it Means to Lose a Home | Suad Amiry

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

When Suad Amiry’s father tried to return to his home in Jaffa after 1948, he found that an Israeli family had moved in. They refused to let him enter. And when he returned to their home in Amman, it was the first time Suad had ever seen him cry. Years later, Suad would build a career on remembering what others tried to erase.

Palestinian architect and writer, Suad Amiry, shares how her parents’ strength, wit, and belief in her became the foundation of her own confidence and sense of humor. She reflects on a life lived as both an architect and storyteller, exploring the absurdities of daily life under occupation, the coexistence of heartbreak and humor, and the defiant power of laughter.

From founding the Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation in 1991 to writing her book Sharon and My Mother-in-Law in 2003, and many since, Suad Amiry has dedicated her life to preserving Palestine, its culture, and its stories.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This conversation was recorded on September 10, 2025. You can watch it on YouTube, here.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Suad Amiry on Instagram (@suad.amiry)
Learn more about the Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation
See below to learn more about the books mentioned:

Of Oud, Sound and Silence | Le Trio Joubran (Arabic Episode)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we sit with Palestinian musician Samir Joubran, one of the three brothers behind Le Trio Joubran - a family of oud players and master luthiers who have carried the craft and soul of the instrument across generations.

We explore with him what it means to revive the oud today and how to make music that speaks without words. We also trace the deep intersection between music and poetry, guided by the legacy of renowned poet Mahmoud Darwish, whose words have long influenced Joubrans’ music.

Through reflecting on craft, heritage, and the spaces between sound and silence, this conversation is an invitation to listen differently.

This conversation was conducted in Arabic and recorded on October 11, 2025. You can watch it with English subtitles on YouTube through this link.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Samir Joubran on Instagram (@samir_joubran)
Follow Le Trio Joubran on Instagram (@triojoubran)
Book your tickets to attend Le Trio Joubrans’ upcoming concerts
Listen to Le Trio Joubran’s latest album

Mentioned Tarwida Episodes:

Listen to our episode with Joudie Kalla
Listen to our episode with Rola Azar

Palestine on a Plate | Joudie Kalla

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Joudie Kalla) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Born in Damascus, raised in London, and rooted in Palestine, chef, author, and activist Joudie Kalla speaks openly about living between worlds. Never fully belonging, yet finding a home through flavors, memories, and family stories.

Known for her celebrated books Palestine on a Plate and Baladi, Joudie reflects on how cooking has always been a way to ground herself and celebrate Palestinian culture. She also reflects on how food is never separate from politics or empathy.

This conversation was recorded on September 21, 2025. You can watch it on YouTube, here.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Joudie on Instagram (@palestineonaplate)
Support Joudie and The House of Friendship by buying her cookbooks, Baladi and Palestine on a Plate
You can also attend Joudie’s supper clubs, where all profits go to charity, by signing up here
Remember and learn more about Refaat Alareer and read more of his work in Gaza Writes Back
Learn more about Mahmoud Darwish and read his poetry here
Listen to the full version of Fairuz’s song, Ana Indi Haneen

Mentioned Tarwida Episodes:

Listen to our episode with Fadi Kattan
Listen to our episode with Rola Azar

Swimming for Palestine I Valerie Tarazi

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 03:00:00 +0000

From the suburbs of Chicago to representing Palestine on a global stage, Olympic swimmer Valerie Tarazi

carries Palestine in everything she does. Our first glimpse of her as a representative for Palestine was at the 2023 Arab Games in Algeria and then at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she held the Palestinian flag high. Beyond the pool, Valerie’s dedication to Palestine shines through her advocacy work, where she champions grassroots sports programs and opens doors for the next generation, with a special focus on empowering women to step into the world of athletics. Through her sport and advocacy, Valerie continues to fight for sport as a basic human right.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This conversation was recorded on September 10, 2025. You can watch the full video on YouTube, here.

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Valerie on Instagram (@vswimt)
Learn more about the Palestinian Olympic Committee
800 Palestinian athletes have been murdered by the Israeli Occupation since October 7. Keep their memory alive by learning their names and their stories.
Learn more about the Olympic Council of Asia’s Gender Equity Committee
Learn more about the International Olympic Committee’s Commission on Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Brush that Carried a Homeland - Sliman Mansour (Arabic Episode)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Few artists have captured the soul of Palestine the way Sliman Mansour has. His paintings featuring olive trees, stone terraces, mud, and the steadfast women of the land have carried Palestine across generations and borders.

In this conversation, Mansour looks back on his childhood as well as the mischief and hardships that shaped him. A pioneer of contemporary Palestinian art and a teacher who rooted creativity in local materials, he speaks with humor and sharp honesty about what art means to him, sharing not only his achievements but also his moments of fragility and disappointments.

This episode is hosted by Tala Elissa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This conversation was conducted in Arabic and recorded on July 8, 2025. You can watch it with English subtitles on YouTube through this link.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Sliman Mansour on Instagram @sliman.mansour
Purchase Mansour’s artwork through his website or on Zawyeh
Learn more about Ismail Shammout
Learn more about Bashar Khalaf

Chasing Freedom | Yalla Parkour (Arabic Episode)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 1 Sep 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Walls, fences, and Israeli checkpoints try to dictate where bodies can and cannot move in Gaza, yet young athletes turn to parkour to reclaim freedom of movement under siege. Yalla Parkour, a film by Areeb Zuaitar, follows this story. In this episode, we sit with Zuaitar and parkour athlete Ahmad Matar to explore how their lives, though miles apart and shaped by different realities, become connected through Palestine, the only place they both feel ultimate belonging to. They share with us how each jump carries defiance and hope, and how, even amid destruction, Gazans continue to rise above the rubble, choosing life over despair.

This conversation was recorded on August 16, 2025 and is conducted in Arabic. To listen to this episode with English subtitles, please click this link (https://youtu.be/RWNIHFoZggA) to watch it on YouTube!

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Watch Yalla Parkour’s trailer
Follow Areeb Zuaitar on Instagram @areebzuaiter
Follow Ahmad Matar on Instagram @matargaza
Follow Gaza Parkour on Instagram @gazaparkour
Learn more about Gaza’s airport
Watch this episode on Youtube, here

Writing Palestine | Susan Abulhawa (Relaunch)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 03:00:00 +0000

With a profound belief that artists bear the responsibility to witness and that art is an integral part of life, Susan Abulhawa, the internationally-acclaimed writer, weaves together history, activism and fiction. In this first episode of Tarwida, join us for an insightful conversation with Susan as we explore her multifaceted journey and discover how we can read our way into the depths of Palestinian culture.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on August 27th, 2024.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Susan’s Instagram
Playgrounds for Palestine
Palstine Writes
Buy Susan’s books through this link:
- Mornings in Jenin, 2006
- My Voice Sought the Wind, 2013
- The Blue Between Sky and Water, 2015
- Against the Loveless World, 2019

My name is Palestine I George Qurmoz (Arabic Episode)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 4 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Tarwida, we revisit the life and legacy of George Qurmoz, a Palestinian composer and musician whose work became a soundtrack of resistance. We trace his journey through music collectives and movements, exploring how his melodies echoed not just melodies, but entire emotional geographies.

This episode was originally published on November 28, 2024 and is produced by Dom Tak, a Sowt Production podcast dedicated to Arabic music.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Listen to Geroge Qurmoz’s songs
Listen to Dom Tak’s episode on the initfada tapes
Browse George Qurmoz’s pictures from the 70’s
Follow Dom Tak on Instagram

Older Than Occupation | Rima Nasir Tarazi

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Palestinian composer and pianist Rima Nasir Tarazi reflects on her extraordinary life, sharing wisdom shaped by 93 years of personal and political challenges. Despite everything she’s witnessed, or perhaps because of it, Rima still holds a remarkable grit for life. In this episode she reminds us to remain hopeful and shares with us her enduring love for music and how it has served as a powerful vehicle for both self-expression and social activism.

Aside from her musical career, Rima has also held important leadership and founding roles in several Palestinian institutions including Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, Birzeit University, the YWCA, Inaash Al Usra.

This episode was recorded on the 2nd of July, 2025.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Songs Included by Rima Nasir Tarazi and sung by Tania Tamari Nasir:

Relevant links and Resources:

You can listen to Rima’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube
To learn more about Rima and see the photos she generously donated to the Palestinian Archive, check out this link.
You can read more about Samiha Khalil through this link

Just Saying You're Palestinian is Powerful | Alana Hadid

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 7 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Creative director, activist, and storyteller Alana Hadid joins us for an in-depth conversation, sharing her earliest memories of growing up in a Palestinian-American family, the influence of her family members, and how she navigates social media algorithms to educate and raise awareness. We also discuss her involvement with Watermelon Pictures as Creative Director and her new podcast, The Seeds FM. From creative resilience to hopes for a freer future, Alana's story is one of passion, courage, and unyielding commitment to her heritage.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on 17th of June, 2025.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Alana Hadid on Instagram (@lanzybear) and check out her ‘donate’ highlight for more information about the charities she works with all the way from Palestine to Sudan and Congo
Check out Watermelon Pictures and subscribe to Watermelon +
Listen to Alana’s new podcast, The Seeds FM (@theseedsfm) on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
You can watch Walled Off, directed by Vin Arfuso, on Watermelon+. The trailer can be found through this link
Check out and support some Palestinian-led brands Alana mentioned, Pali Roots and Wear the Peace

The Woman behind the Wheel - Vera Tamari

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

From her ceramic sculptures to her time teaching at Birzeit University, Vera Tamari’s work captures the deep ties between culture, resistance, and rootedness. A trailblazer in the Palestinian art scene, Vera was among the first women to exhibit contemporary art in Palestine and has spent decades mentoring new generations of artists. In this conversation, we reflect on the role of women in art and academia, and what it means to reinvent family archives.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on 26th of May, 2025.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Read more about Vera Tamari and her work
Watch Vera working on Guardians of the Land
Tale of a Tree
Visit Vladimir Tamari’s website
Buy Tamari’s book Returning
Learn more about the Palestinian Museum’s new edition of New Visions
Explore Birzeit University's collections
Learn more about Al-Balalin Troupe

The Freedom Theater | Nabil Al Raee

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 9 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Nabil Al Raee, a leader at The Freedom Theater in Jenin, talks about the theater's founding and its role in resisting oppression through storytelling. Despite challenges like funding and political pressure, Nabil highlights global support and hopes for the future of Palestinian art, freedom, and theater.

This conversation was recorded on May 5, 2025.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Learn more about and support The Freedom Theater on their website (https://thefreedomtheatre.org/) and follow them on Instagram (@thefreedomtheater)
Follow Nabil Al Raee on Instagram (@alraee.nabil)
To learn about the history of theater in Palestine you can check out Samer Al-Saber’s book, A Movement’s Promise, and Radi Shehadeh’s book سيرة حكواتي من فلسطين - راضي شحادة
You can read more about their play, The Siege, here
Watch Arna’s Children here to learn more about Arna Mer Khamis
To learn more about one of the founders of The Freedom Theater, Zakaria Zubeidi, you can read this article by the Middle East Eye

From the River to the Screen, Palestine will be Seen | Watermelon Pictures

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 26 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Dive into the inspiring journey of Hamza and Badie Ali, the brothers who transformed their passion for film into a mission to reclaim the Palestinian narrative through their production and distribution company, Watermelon Pictures. They delve into their origins, from their grandfather arriving in the U.S. from Palestine in 1935 to the present-day global distribution company they now run. They also speak on their most recent documentary, The Encampments.

This conversation was recorded on April 21, 2025.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Watermelon Pictures (@watermelonpictures) on Instagram and check out their website (watermelonpictures.com)

Subscribe to their new streaming platform, Watermelon Plus (watch.watermelonpictures.com)

Watch their new documentary, The Encampments, and support it on Instagram (@theencampments)

Watch the upcoming feature, To a Land Unknown, directed by Mahdi Fleifel

Check out Jack Shaheen’s study which includes all the mentioned statistics about Arab representation in Hollywood

Decolonizing Architecture I Sandi Hilal & Alessandro Petti

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 12 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Tarwida, we speak with architects Sandi Hilal and Alessandro Petti, co-founders of DAAR—Decolonizing Architecture Art Residency. From refugee camps to schools and public spaces, Hilal and Petti reimagine space not as a neutral container, but as a political and historical actor. We explore how architecture can be a site of decolonial resistance, of imagination and repair, and what it means to practice architecture in Palestine, beyond the frameworks imposed by occupation.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on April 9, 2025.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow DAAR on instagram @decolonizing.ps
Visit DAAR’s website
Listen to Gaza Reconstruction Reality Check with Abed Kittana
Learn more about Spaciocide- From “Spacio-cide” to Genocide: The War on Gaza and Western Indifference
Buy Sandi and Alessandro’s book: Architecture After Revolution
Read more on The reconstruction of Al-Nada social housing in Gaza
Learn more about DAAR’s academic course on Encampments

The views and opinions expressed by guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the points of view of the Tarwida Podcast, its hosts, or its team. While we value open dialogue and diverse perspectives, these conversations are not an endorsement or representation of our personal opinions.

Food is Political | Fadi Kattan

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This conversation was recorded on March 19, 2025.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Fadi Kattan (@fadi.f.kattan) on Instagram

Order his book, Bethlehem (https://geni.us/bethlehem)

Visit his restaurants! Akub in London (@akub.london) and Louf in Toronto (@louf.toronto)

If you find yourself in Bethlehem be sure to stay at his boutique hotel Kassa (@kassahotel)

Watch his YouTube series, Teta’s Kitchen

I am the Land, and the Land is Me - Nabil Anani (Arabic episode)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

What does it mean to create art under a brutal colonial system? To make beauty in the midst of struggle? In this episode, Palestinian visual artist Nabil Anani reflects on the First Intifada and the experimental spirit it sparked. He shares why art must be rooted in its environment, how creativity becomes a political act, and what it means to shape a visual language that holds memory, place, and defiance at its core.

This conversation was recorded on April 4, 2025 and is conducted in Arabic. You can find the English transcript through this link.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Nabil Anani on Instagram @na.anani

Check Anani’s artwork on Zayweh

Learn more about the Palestinian Museum’s new edition of New Visions

Watch Anani working on his latest piece

Buy Anani’s book Palestine, Land and People

Buy Anani’s book The Land and I

Buy Anani’s memoir Emerging to the Light

Tatreez on Stone I Naqsh Collective

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Tue, 8 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

With each stitch and surface, Naqsh Collective reimagines the boundaries between craft, architecture, and memory. In this episode, we sit with Nisreen, Nermeen and Shireen Abu Dail, the sisters behind the collective, to reflect on what it means to carry Palestinian identity through form and material— exploring the politics of craft, the aesthetics of resistance, and how their embroidered narratives give new life to heritage in diaspora.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Dima Sharif. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This conversation was recorded on March 12, 2025.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Naqsh on Instagram @naqshcollective

Visit Naqsh Collective’s website

Learn more about Shawl

Learn more about Jhazek ya Shams bridal chest

Learn more about Akka’s Jump

New York Times’ article featuring Naqsh: A Panorama of Design

Follow Tiraz on Instagram @tirazcentre

Join Naqsh’s collective work to preserve Palestinian embroidery

Documenting Ghassan Abu Sittah I Carol Mansour & Muna Khalidi

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

When Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah left after 43 days of working around the clock under constant bombardment in Gaza’s emergency rooms, filmmakers Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi didn’t think twice before deciding to document his story. In this episode, they discuss A State of Passion, their latest film capturing Dr. Abu Sittah’s harrowing experience. They also reflect on their previous works, Stitching Palestine and Aida Returns. Through their work, Carol and Muna explore the power of film as a tool for advocacy, bearing witness, and preserving Palestinian narratives.

This conversation was recorded on February 15, 2025.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Carol Mansour (@mansourcarol) and Muna Khalidi (@muna_khalidi) on Instagram

Follow State of Passion (@state.of.passion) on Instagram

Follow Aida Returns on Instagram (@aida_returns) and visit the website

Follow Stitching Palestine (@stitching_palestine)

The Palestinian Museum | Amer Shomali (Part 2)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In Part II of our episode with acclaimed multidisciplinary artist, Amer Shomali, we delve into The Palestinian Museum and the value it holds in conserving Palestinian arts, culture, and heritage at a time when Palestinian heritage is being erased. Throughout, we discuss the ways Shomali has challenged traditional museum structures, creatively honored the people of Gaza, and launched traveling exhibitions, allowing the diaspora to share Gaza’s story around the world.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Our associate producer is Zeena Shehadeh. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This conversation was recorded on January 12, 2025, and is the second of a two-part episode.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, and hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics! Help us understand you better by filling out this short survey, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Amer Shomali on Instagram @amershomali

Visit Amer’s website

Follow The Palestinian Museum on Instagram @palmuseum and visit their website

Learn more about and participate in the traveling exhibition Gaza Remains the Story

Learn more about This is Not an Exhibition

Contribute to or learn more about The Palestinian Museum Digital Archive

Animating Resistance | Amer Shomali (Part 1)

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

From his acclaimed film The Wanted 18 to his multimedia art featuring the iconic Leila Khaled and the Visit Palestine poster, Amer Shomali takes us through his creative journey with all its twists and turns. In this episode, we explore how he weaves humor, animation, history, and art—not just to document struggles, but to reimagine liberated futures.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. Intro music by Terez Sliman.

This conversation was recorded on January 12, 2025, and is the first of a two-part episode.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Amer Shomali on Instagram @amershomali

Visite Amer’s website

Learn more about The Icon- Leila Khaled

Learn more about Visit Palestine poster

Watch The Wanted 18 trailer

Follow The Palestinian Museum on Instagram @palmuseum

A Disabled Palestinian Walks into a Comedy Club… | Maysoon Zayid

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:22:03 +0000

Maysoon Zayid doesn’t just tell jokes—she breaks barriers. In this episode of Tarwida, the trailblazing comedian, writer, and disability advocate talks about navigating the world as a disabled Palestinian woman in such critical times. With her signature wit and raw honesty, Maysoon reminds us that laughter can be a powerful weapon—and that some things are too important not to joke about.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on December 21st, 2024.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Maysoon Zayid on Instagram @maysoonzayid

Watch Maysoon’s 2014 Ted Talk

Buy Shiny Misfits through Amazon

Listen to Shiny Misfits on Audible

Follow Dean Obediallah on Instagram @deanobeidallah

Learn more about the history behind New York’s Arab American Comedy Festival

Book Maysoon for your event or workshop through this link

Palestine in Every Melody | Rola Azar

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Tarwida, we talk to Palestinian singer Rola Azar, whose music beautifully balances the past and present, blending the traditional with the modern. For Rola, music isn’t just art—it’s life. She shares memories of growing up in Nazareth, where she’d lose herself in the melodies of the city’s neighborhoods, learning not just to sing but to uncover the stories behind the songs. Join us as Rola reflects on her journey, the power of music in preserving Palestinian identity, and what inspires her to carry Palestine in every note.

This episode is hosted by Tala Elissa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on 2nd of October, 2024 and is conducted in Arabic. For our non-Arabic-speaking listeners, you can find an English transcript through this link.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Rola Azar on Instagram @rola.azar
Subscribe to Rola’s YouTube channel
Listen to Ikhla’a Na’alaka ya Mousa
Listen to Intathiri
Learn more about Tawfiq Zayyad- Sumud, crucifixion, and poetry: The life of Palestinian leader Tawfiq Zayyad
Watch Alternative Silence by Le trio Jubran
Listen to Shamali Tarwida by Al Funoun Dance Troupe

Palestine Laced in Gold and Flowers | Dana Barqawi

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Throughout her works, Dana Barqawi employs diverse media including photography, paint, gold, and flowers to craft a vivid portrayal of Palestine. She seeks to deconstruct biased narratives and colonial histories, reclaiming the agency of Palestinians. While maintaining a captivating aesthetic, the artist reveals the painful story of a colonial past and the ongoing struggle for justice. Tune in to discover what drives Dana Barqawi and how she views art as a powerful tool for decolonization.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on October 1st, 2024.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Follow Dana Barqawi on Instagram: @dana_barqawi
Buy Dana Barqawi’s prints
Visit Dana’s studio by leaving her a message through this link
She Refused her White Man’s Burden
It takes a Village
The Palestine Poster Project Archives
How the sun of Palestine reached a Black Panther in jail
Follow Brahim Jawabreh on Instagram: @brahimjawabrehgallery
Follow Al Barakeh Wheat on Instagram: @albarakehwheat
Before Their Diaspora: A Photographic History of the Palestinians 1876-1948
Intro song by Rima Khsheish (a cover for Sayyed Darwish’s El Shayaleen)

The Seven Waves: The Last Film before the Genocide | Asma Bseiso

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Join us as we explore the deep, mystical, and symbolic connection between the sea and Palestinians, particularly Gazans. In this episode, we meet filmmaker Asma Bseiso, whose latest work, The Seven Waves, holds profound historical significance as the last film to document Gaza before the genocide. The film follows the stories of Beesan, a professional rower, and Muhammad a fisherman and lifeguard. Through narrating their stories, Asma shares with us her boundless love for the sea and its people, her passion for filmmaking, and her unwavering devotion to Palestine.

This episode was recorded on August 17th, 2024.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Asma Bseiso’s instagram @asmabseiso
Watch The Seven Waves trailer
Watch Lissa Aisha’s trailer
Listen to Yusor Hamed on Spotify
The Palestinian Museum’s exhibition about Palestine’s sea

On Exile, Film & Romman | Saleem Al Beik

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Join us as we delve into the rich intersections of literature and cinema as we speak with author and film critic Saleem Al Beik. This episode unpacks his unique lens on Palestine, exploring themes of 'return,' the evolution of Palestinian cinema, and the power of documentation in cultural preservation.

This conversation is conducted in Arabic, in celebration of World Arabic Language Day, observed annually on December 18. For our non-Arabic-speaking listeners, you can use this link to read the English transcript.

This episode is hosted by Tala Elissa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Kiera Doherty. Social media video production by Leen Karadsheh. Research by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on October 2nd, 2024.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Saleem Al Beik’s Instagram: @saleem.albeik
Saleem’s website
Saleem’s 3 novels: Two Tickets to Saffuriyya (2017), Scenario (2019), Ayn Al Deek (2022)
Romman Magazine
Watch Wedding in Galilee here
Watch The Time that Remains here

We are the Seeds of Palestine | Vivien Sansour

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 2 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

As the founder of the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library, Vivien Sansour is dedicated to preserving ancestral seeds and the knowledge they carry. In this episode, she explains why safeguarding these seeds is a powerful act of defiance against erasure and a vital contribution to Palestinian resistance. She also reflects on how reclaiming ancestral practices can inspire both environmental and cultural liberation.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Kiera Doherty. Social media video production by Leen Karadsheh. Research by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on September 9th, 2024.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Vivien Sansour’s Instagram: @vivien.sansour
Vivien’s website
Laila El Haddad’s Instagram: @gazamom
Anthony Bourdain’s visit to Palestine

Gaza on Canvas | Malak Mattar

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

How would a city enduring genocide appear on a painter’s canvas? In this episode, we explore the world of Palestinian artist Malak Mattar, whose vivid yet haunting creations offer some answers. Malak, who has grown up under siege in Gaza, and whose artwork traveled before she did, shares the importance of art to Palestinian memory and identity. Tune in to learn more about how she deepens her relationship with the city she no longer lives in.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Kiera Doherty. Social media video production by Leen Karadsheh. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on September 27th, 2024.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Malak Matar’s Instagram: @malakmattarart
Malak Mattar’s store
Malak Mattar’s website
Sitti’s Bird
Qattan Foundation’s Instagram: @qattanfoundation
The Markaz Review article: Malak Mattar - No Words, Only Scenes of Ruin

Cinema against Injustice | Farah Nabulsi

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Tarwida) — Mon, 4 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

From finance to cinema, Farah Nabulsi's transition into an award-winning director has been fueled by her passion for justice. In this episode, we delve into how she discovered filmmaking as a powerful medium for capturing Palestinian realities and discusses the challenges she faced, from filming under occupation, to ensuring that stories and characters are well represented. Join us as Farah inspires us with her insights and dedication to using film as a tool for resisting occupation.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Kiera Doherty. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on September 17th, 2024.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.

Relevant links and Resources:

Farah Nabulsi’s Instagram: @farah.nabulsi
Oceans for Injustice
Saleem Albeik’s review of The Teacher
Film Lab Palestine
Palestine Cinema Days
Check Farah Nabulsi’s films on her website
The Teacher
The Present
Nightmare of Gaza
Today They Took my Son

Writing Palestine I Susan Abulhawa

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Susan Abulhawa, Afaf Shawwa (Bibi)) — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0000

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our Executive Producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social Media by Kiera Doherty. Brand design by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on August 27th, 2024.

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.
Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

--
Relevant links and resources:

- Follow Susan Abulhawa
- Palestine Writes Festival

Buy Susan’s books through this link:

- Mornings in Jenin, 2006

- My Voice Sought the Wind, 2013

- The Blue Between Sky and Water, 2015

- Against the Loveless World, 2019

Introducing Tarwida

tarwidapodcast@gmail.com (Afaf Shawwa (Bibi), Tala El-Issa) — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 12:43:05 +0000

Tarwida is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Lead producer is Tala Elissa and Lobna Monieb is our co-producer. Our Executive Producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social Media by Kiera Doherty. Brand design by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.