Alana Hadid, the fashion designer and sister of models Bella and Gigi, is spearheading a new film production and distribution label called Watermelon Pictures. The company describes itself as a Palestinian-owned independent outfit focused on distribution, production and financing.
The label aims to concentrate on cultural representation and social advocacy, with a stated mission to amplify the voices of underrepresented filmmakers around the world. Its first release will be the documentary 'Walled Off', directed by Vin Arfuso, an American filmmaker of Palestinian and Italian descent.
The film examines the Walled Off Hotel, a Palestinian-managed hotel in Bethlehem financed and designed by British street artist Banksy, situated opposite the Israeli West Bank barrier wall. It explores the lives of Palestinians in the area and highlights the importance of creative resistance as a form of protest.
'Walled Off' is co-produced by Alana's brother, model and musician Anwar Hadid, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters and Kweku Mandela, grandson of former South African president Nelson Mandela. The documentary is set for a limited theatrical run and digital release in the United States from May 3, 2024.
Alana Hadid, serving as creative director of Watermelon Pictures, 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."
A statement from the company added that the Watermelon Pictures brand embodies the vibrancy and resilience of Palestinian culture, symbolised by the fruit that shares its colours with the Palestinian flag.
