Cherien Dabis and the Humanization of Palestinian Stories on Screen

Palestinian-American filmmaker Cherien Dabis is gaining international recognition for her work in bringing nuanced Palestinian narratives to the forefront of cinema. Her latest film, All That’s Left of You, Jordan’s submission for the 2026 Academy Award for Best International Feature, exemplifies her dedication to humanizing the Palestinian experience and providing historical context to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A Personal Journey to Filmmaking

Dabis’s path to filmmaking was initially met with skepticism. As she recounted, her father, a Palestinian exile, discouraged her aspirations, believing that “nobody would be interested in what [she] had to say” as a Palestinian [1]. This sentiment, she suggests, is a shared experience among many Palestinians. This early discouragement fueled her determination to tell stories that challenge perceptions and offer a deeper understanding of Palestinian life.

From “Amreeka” to “All That’s Left of You”

Dabis first gained prominence with her 2009 debut feature, Amreeka. The film follows Muna Farah, a Palestinian single mother who emigrates to the United States with her son, Fadi, seeking a better life free from the daily humiliations of Israeli checkpoints [1]. Amreeka poignantly portrays the challenges faced by Arab Americans in a post-9/11 America, including racism, stereotyping, and the struggle to reconcile their identity with their new surroundings. The film uses humor to highlight the cultural clashes and bureaucratic hurdles encountered by Muna and Fadi, while likewise addressing the serious realities of occupation and displacement.

All That’s Left of You expands on these themes, tracing three generations of a Palestinian family from 1948 to the present day [3]. The film provides a “valuable framework and chronology of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” going back to the establishment of the Israeli state and subsequent waves of displacement [1]. Dabis’s approach is characterized by a “pilot light of humanity and family values,” even while addressing the “indignant treatment of Palestine” over decades [1].

Production Challenges and Independent Distribution

The production of All That’s Left of You faced significant obstacles. Originally planned to be filmed in Palestine, the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war following October 7, 2023, forced a relocation to Jordan, Greece, and Cyprus [3]. Despite receiving rave reviews at Sundance and being selected as Jordan’s Oscar entry, Dabis encountered difficulties securing U.S. Distribution, with many mainstream distributors hesitant due to the film’s political sensitivity [3].

In response, Dabis established her own distribution company, Visibility Films, in partnership with Watermelon Pictures, to independently release the film in the United States [3]. This move underscores her commitment to ensuring that Palestinian stories are told and seen, even in the face of adversity.

A Family Affair and Stellar Cast

All That’s Left of You features a cast comprised of members of a prominent Palestinian acting family, including Adam, Mohammad, and Saleh Bakri [2]. This casting choice adds a layer of authenticity and familial connection to the narrative, further emphasizing the film’s focus on the enduring bonds within a Palestinian family.

Dabis herself stars in the film as the mother figure, framing the story through her character’s recollections and conversations with a Jewish man, prompting reflection on the shared humanity and the complexities of identity [1].