The company will focus on cultural representation and social advocacy, and will be dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented filmmakers across the globe.
Alana Hadid, renowned fashion designer and sister to supermodels Bella and Gigi Hadid, has taken on the role of creative director at the newly launched Watermelon Pictures.
Alana Hadid expressed her vision for Watermelon Pictures and said: “Our goal is to provide a safe haven for excluded voices striving for creative resistance. Through our film releases, we aim to educate and inspire audiences worldwide to stand up against injustice.”
In a statement, the company emphasised that the Watermelon Pictures brand symbolises the vibrancy and resilience of Palestinian culture, reflected in the iconic fruit that shares its colours with the Palestinian flag.
Described as a “Palestinian-owned independent film distribution, production, and financing” company, Watermelon Pictures aims to champion cultural representation, social advocacy, and amplify the voices of underrepresented filmmakers worldwide.
The debut feature under the Watermelon label is the documentary Walled Off, which delves into the story of the Walled Off Hotel, a Palestinian-managed establishment situated in Bethlehem and conceived by British street artist Banksy. The film explores the lives of Palestinians residing in the area, emphasising the significance of creative resistance as a means of protest.
Written and directed by Vin Arfuso, an American filmmaker of Palestinian and Italian heritage, Walled Off is slated for a limited theatrical release and digital launch in the US starting May 3, 2024.
The documentary is co-produced by Alana Hadid’s brother, Anwar Hadid, an American-Palestinian model and musician, along with Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters and Kweku Mandela, grandson of former South African president Nelson Mandela.