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 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 November 26, 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. 

Follow us on socials @tarwidapodcast

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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)