Alana Hadid, the older half-sister of models, Bella, and Gigi Hadid, is officially the creative director of Watermelon Pictures. Described as a “Palestinian-owned independent film distribution, production and financing” company, Watermelon Pictures aims to “control their own narrative” compared to how Western media portray the Palestinian people.
Although having a focus on becoming the distribution powerhouse for the best of Palestinian cinema, Watermelon Pictures also calls upon creatives of the MENA region to tell their stories and rewrite the stereotypes which are imposed on their culture, people and religion.
“Our goal is to provide a safe haven for excluded voices striving for creative resistance,” said Alana Hadid.
“Through our film releases, we aim to educate and inspire audiences worldwide to stand up against injustice.”
A statement released by the company said that “Watermelon Pictures embodies the vibrancy and resilience of Palestinian culture, symbolised by the iconic fruit that shares its colours with the Palestinian flag."
A documentary titled, Walled Of , directed by Vin Arfuso, will be Watermelon Pictures' first release. It will be co-produced by Anwar Hadid, an American-Palestinian singer and model and brother of the Hadid sisters, Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, and Kweku Mandela, the grandson of former South African president Nelson Mandela.
The documentary explores the everyday lives of Palestinian citizens through its storyline and promotes the value of creative resistance as a means of protest.
The film is expected to be released on digital platforms and at exclusive theatres on May 3rd.
By Reiham Amin
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