Tarwida

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.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 @tarwidapodcast--Relevant links and Resources: Read more about Vera Tamari and her work Watch Vera working on Guardians of the Land Tale of a TreeVisit Vladimir Tamari’s websiteBuy Tamari’s book ReturningLearn more about the Palestinian Museum’s new edition of New Visions Explore Birzeit University's collectionsLearn more about Al-Balalin Troupe

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 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 May 5, 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. Follow us on @tarwidapodcastIf 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: 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 شحادةYou can read more about their play, The Siege, hereWatch Arna’s Children here to learn more about Arna Mer KhamisTo learn more about one of the founders of The Freedom Theater, Zakaria Zubeidi, you can read this article by the Middle East Eye

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 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 April 21, 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. Follow us on @tarwidapodcastIf 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 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

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. 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 @tarwidapodcast--Relevant links and Resources: Follow DAAR on instagram @decolonizing.psVisit DAAR’s websiteListen to Gaza Reconstruction Reality Check with Abed KittanaLearn more about Spaciocide- From “Spacio-cide” to Genocide: The War on Gaza and Western IndifferenceBuy Sandi and Alessandro’s book: Architecture After Revolution Read more on The reconstruction of Al-Nada social housing in GazaLearn more about DAAR’s academic course on EncampmentsThe 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.

Join renowned chef Fadi Kattan, a passionate advocate for Palestinian cuisine and author of 'Bethlehem.' He shares his rich culinary heritage, inspired by family traditions and his Teta's kitchen. Fadi discusses the significance of local ingredients and the challenges of preserving culinary identity amid political struggles. He explores the blend of tradition and innovation in his restaurants and emphasizes the power of food activism in celebrating Palestinian culture. Fadi’s journey highlights the emotional connections we have with food and the importance of community and storytelling.

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 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 recorded on April 4, 2025 and is conducted in Arabic. You can find the English transcript through this link. 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 @tarwidapodcastIf 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 Nabil Anani on Instagram @na.ananiCheck Anani’s artwork on ZaywehLearn more about the Palestinian Museum’s new edition of New Visions Watch Anani working on his latest pieceBuy Anani’s book Palestine, Land and PeopleBuy Anani’s book The Land and IBuy Anani’s memoir Emerging to the Light

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.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 @tarwidapodcastIf 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 Naqsh on Instagram @naqshcollectiveVisit Naqsh Collective’s websiteLearn more about ShawlLearn more about Jhazek ya Shams bridal chestLearn more about Akka’s Jump New York Times’ article featuring Naqsh: A Panorama of DesignFollow Tiraz on Instagram @tirazcentreJoin Naqsh’s collective work to preserve Palestinian embroidery 

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 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 February 15, 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. Follow us on @tarwidapodcastIf 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 Carol Mansour (@mansourcarol) and Muna Khalidi (@muna_khalidi) on Instagram Follow State of Passion (@state.of.passion) on InstagramFollow Aida Returns on Instagram (@aida_returns) and visit the websiteFollow Stitching Palestine (@stitching_palestine) 

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. 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. Follow us on @tarwidapodcastIf 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 @amershomaliVisit Amer’s websiteFollow The Palestinian Museum on Instagram @palmuseum and visit their website Learn more about and participate in the traveling exhibition Gaza Remains the StoryLearn more about This is Not an ExhibitionContribute to or learn more about The Palestinian Museum Digital Archive

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. 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 @tarwidapodcastIf 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 Amer Shomali on Instagram @amershomaliVisite Amer’s websiteLearn more about The Icon- Leila Khaled Learn more about Visit Palestine poster Watch The Wanted 18 trailerFollow The Palestinian Museum on Instagram @palmuseum