All in Print Issue

Film Review: Farha

While I am not Palestinian, as a Puerto Rican, I can empathize with the feeling of knowing my family's homeland has fallen victim to Western imperialism. Puerto Rico has not known independence since Columbus landed on our shores in 1493. At one point in history, the American government outlawed the very presence of our flag, the symbol of our pride. Because of this, the resiliency of the Palestinian people has always resonated with me, and I am absolutely positive that the story of Farha will resonate with you too.

Letter from the Guest Editor

Through this edition, I have offered you readers a mere glimpse into the rich world that is Palestinian film–there are so many artists, producers, curators, editors, and more that I would love to share with you, but we only had so much space and time. That said, I am thrilled to be able to offer you a piece of my teachers and peer practitioners who are rebuilding the Palestinian image archive.

Palestine in America is publishing its first Film Edition

Palestine in America is finalizing our first Film Edition. Ryah Aqel (she/her), cultural producer, writer, and multimedia artist, will use her expertise to be our guest editor.

In 2020, she produced Darine Hotait and Hala Alyan's TALLAHASSEE, distributed by The New Yorker. She was previously a Sundance Institute Knight Foundation fellow and a Sundance Institute Women in Film Finance & Strategy Intensive fellow.

Palestinian you should know: Samir Mogannam

Samir Mogannam, who began as a sous-chef and has dabbled in an array of cuisines, opened San Francisco-based Beit Rima —an ode to his mother — in 2019 and now is working on a cookbook with her to help preserve Palestinian identity.

In our interview with the Palestinian chef, we discussed his family, his thoughts on cultural preservation and his advice for any Palestinians considering joining the food industr

Power plate: How a D.C. chef reclaims and uplifts their Palestinian and trans identities

The story of Marcelle, while fraught at times, has turned into a beautiful narrative that celebrates the most amazing parts of them. At their core, they are passionate, supportive, and compassionate. They serve as an inspiration to me and many other activists and chefs, both Palestinian and non, and have impacted so many in the short time they have been authentically themselves on the scene. As Marcelle told me in an email recently, “In the face of the attempt to demolish our existence, it’s important to use all aspects of who we are to bring our identities to the forefront.” Looking forward to seeing all the amazing things they continue to bring to our community.

Ahmad Ibrahim: “The Palestinian Golden Boy”

Last year, in a match surrounded by controversy, Ibrahim dethroned Adam Rothweiler, who held the title for the previous three years. In an interview with Palestine in America for our sports edition and our podcast, the 25-year-old described what it takes to become a pro fighter, wanting to defend his title this year, and the drama that ensued before and after winning the WBC title.