What It Took for Film Director Cherien Dabis to “Find Palestine Everywhere But Palestine”

Cherien Dabis, a Palestinian-American filmmaker, has released her award-winning movie, "All That's Left of You," which is currently playing in select US theaters. The film explores the experiences of a Palestinian-American family as they navigate the complexities of their identity and connection to their homeland. Dabis, who was born in Jordan and raised in the United States, shares the challenges she faced in creating this deeply personal project. Despite not being able to film in Palestine due to travel restrictions, she found creative ways to capture the essence of the Palestinian experience by shooting in locations that evoked a similar sense of place. The movie, which has garnered critical acclaim, is a testament to Dabis' artistic vision and her commitment to telling stories that shed light on the Palestinian diaspora. Through her work, she aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Palestinian experience and the ongoing struggles faced by those who are unable to return to their homeland.