Reel Resilience: Palestinian Stories in Film and Fashion
Celebrating Strength, Style, and Strategic Action
In This Issue
Welcome back to House of Magdalena! In this newsletter issue, we'll delve into compelling films portraying Palestine, discover the diverse realm of Palestinian-owned clothing brands, and equip ourselves with tools for organizing local ceasefire resolutions.
Join me as we explore the dynamic intersection of culture and activism.
Movies about Palestine (and Where to Watch Them)
Exploring movies from a Palestinian perspective offers a vital window into understanding the Palestinian narrative and disrupting mainstream portrayals. Here's a handpicked selection of poignant films illuminating Palestine and where to watch them.
Farha
Farha, 2021 - Stream on Netflix
Farha is a historical dramatization of the Nakba in 1948, told through the eyes of a 14-year-old Palestinian girl locked inside a pantry as Israeli soldiers attack her home. Director Darin Sallam's debut film, based on a true story, is so powerful that the Israeli government tried to have it removed from Netflix.
It Must Be Heaven
It Must Be Heaven, 2019 - Available for purchase from Amazon
I mentioned this film in my video about Gael García Bernal. Elia Suleiman's "It Must Be Heaven" is an evocative comedy-drama from 2019, following a man who leaves Palestine in search of a fresh start. With a stellar cast including Suleiman himself, Ali Suliman, François Girard, and García Bernal, the film has garnered critical acclaim, earning awards at the Cannes Film Festival and Brussels International Film Festival.
3000 Nights
3000 Nights, 2015 - Stream on Netflix
"3000 Nights" is a 2015 drama film directed by Mai Masri, focusing on Layal, a Palestinian schoolteacher falsely accused and sentenced to 8 years in prison. The film received positive reviews for its portrayal of Palestinian women in an Israeli prison in the 1980s and was Jordan's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 89th Academy Awards.
Born in Gaza
Born in Gaza, 2014 - Stream on Netflix
"Born in Gaza" is a documentary depicting the lives of Palestinian children affected by the 2014 Gaza war. Directed by Hernán Zin, the film provides a visually striking portrayal of the impact of violence on these children. The documentary concludes three months after the Israeli offensive, highlighting their ongoing challenges in rebuilding their lives.
5 Broken Cameras
5 Broken Cameras, 2012 - Stream on Tubi
"5 Broken Cameras" is a documentary filmed by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat in the West Bank village of Bil'in. Burnat initially bought a camera in 2005 to record his son's birth, but it became a tool to document the village's resistance against the Israeli apartheid wall. Nominated for Best Documentary at the 2013 Oscars, it offers a firsthand account of the village's struggle against occupation.
‘It’s Bisan from Gaza and I’m Escaping South’
‘It’s Bisan from Gaza and I’m Escaping South,’ 2023 - Stream on YouTube
In the current genocide unfolding in Gaza, social media has played a crucial role in documenting the situation, with reporters like Bisan Owda providing daily coverage on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In a short documentary, Owda documents her journey from al-Shifa Hospital to southern Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by residents seeking shelter amid ongoing bombings.
Palestinian-Owned Clothing Brands
In my previous newsletter, I emphasized the significance of boycotting companies complicit in the occupation of Palestine. Conversely, advocating for Palestinian-owned businesses plays a vital role in advancing the Palestinian cause. Supporting Palestinian clothing brands:
Strengthens the Palestinian economy and supports livelihoods.
Safeguards Palestinian heritage and identity.
Demonstrates political solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Here are some noteworthy Palestinian-owned clothing brands worth supporting.
PaliRoots
In the spotlight this week is PaliRoots, an online clothing brand founded by Palestinian-American Aminah Musa and her family in San Diego. PaliRoots aims to educate people about Palestinian culture and traditions through a diverse range of items, including bracelets, hats, t-shirts, necklaces, soap, stickers, and face masks.
But PaliRoots goes beyond just merchandise. Through initiatives like their Meal Program and various funding projects, they provide essential support to Palestinian communities.
Notably, PaliRoots has teamed up with Palestinian pop singer Elyanna (who I previously covered) on a collection called Albi Falastini. And you can see Jesse Williams wearing their Anti Apartheid Club shirt in my TikTok video from Monday!
Trashy Clothing
Introducing Trashy Clothing, a Palestinian fashion label known for its bold blend of satire, kitsch, and wit. Founded by Omar Braika and Shukri Lawrence, this brand boldly challenges Western fashion norms and power dynamics.
Inspired by Arab music icons and popular culture, Trashy's collections seamlessly integrate elements of workwear, clubwear, and eveningwear, all with a transnational focus. Each piece tells a story and exposes critical issues like pinkwashing and cultural appropriation.
Stay tuned for more on Trashy Clothing, as I’ve previously highlighted them in one of my videos.
Wear the Peace
Introducing Wear The Peace, a clothing brand founded in 2016 by Murad Nofal and Mustafa Mabruk, driven by a mission to raise awareness about global injustices while giving back to those in need.
For every garment sold, Wear The Peace pledges to donate a new article of clothing to individuals in refugee camps worldwide through Helping Hand for Relief and Development. Additionally, all profits from accessories and caps are directed toward various humanitarian causes.
Committed to ethical manufacturing practices, Wear The Peace produces its clothing locally in Chicago, ensuring health, safety, and fair compensation for workers, with suppliers dedicated to anti-sweatshop movements and clean energy initiatives.
You can see Violet Affleck wearing their Freedom Melon Crewneck in the video I made about Ben Affleck.
Take Action: Organize for a Local Ceasefire Resolution
Local ceasefire resolutions are powerful tools in amplifying the Palestinian cause and influencing government action. These resolutions serve as symbolic gestures of solidarity, condemning human rights violations and sending a resounding message to the international community.
This City Council Palestine Organizing Toolkit equips advocates like you with essential resources to effectively advocate for ceasefire resolutions. The toolkit offers guidance on grassroots advocacy, strategic planning, and addressing opposition, and concludes with a sample ceasefire resolution template.
Check out this ceasefire tracker to witness the impact of local action on a national scale.
Thank You
Thanks for joining me! Your support truly means the world. Remember to share this newsletter with a friend. Let's keep the conversation alive, maintain our momentum, and continue making an impact together.
In Solidarity,
illesha magdalena
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