The Toronto International Film Festival is celebrating 50 years, showcasing the best of the best of both the film and festivity aspects of the days long experiential adventure. And when it comes to the festivities, the rockstars at Roxstar Entertainment, Hollywood’s premier events and communications group continue to set the bar incredibly high. The team is back with their highly anticipated Campari Cinema Center hospitality hub, located on King West in Toronto, with star-studded premiere parties for films throughout the entire festival. One absolute highlight was the celebration for the Palestinian owned Watermelon Pictures Production company, and the premiere of their highly anticipated film PALESTINE 36.
Art is inherently political; the notion has been inescapable up to and now during this year’s film festival. With protests, controversial decisions and headline making stories around films of both Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers happening in the time ahead of the festival, tensions as well as excitement were already mounting before a single film even screened. But even such heat can have benefits; in this case, the benefit of far more eyeballs and far more anticipation on the films at the centre of the commotion. Out of the fest’s nearly 300 films, several focus on Palestine, including The Voice of Hind Rajab, With Hasan in Gaza, and Palestine 36.
Under the flag of Alana Hadid’s Watermelon Pictures Production Company, Palestine 36 premiered to a packed and emotional house in Toronto on Friday, September 5th. The cast, crew and team, along with media and elated guests came together at the Cinema Centre for a night of merrymaking to bask in the fruits of their artful labour. The star-studded lineup included cast members Billy Howle (Star Wars), Hiam Abbass (Succession), Dhafer l’abidine, and Wardi Eilabouni. Egyptian activist and comedian Bassem Youssef was also in attendance in solidarity and support.
While every party at TIFF is full of fantastic showcases of fashion, what struck me most about this event was the ways in which attendees wove symbols of Palestine through their style choices, as the spirit of Palestine itself is woven into their souls. Tatreez (تطريز) the traditional Palestinian art form of hand embroidery was intricately incorporated in so many outfits from the red carpet to the cocktail bar. The keffiyeh, a traditional patterned scarf that has now become of Palestinian resistance and solidarity, was worn by several stars and attendees in elegant expressions of stylish support for this important cause. Lead actor Billy’s included a keffiyeh with his tuxedo, made by a Palestinian designer. He also wore cufflinks made by authentic Palestinian coins, from 1939.
And I would be remiss not to showcase this stunning dress, incorporating the keffiyeh in a silken waterfall of fabric, airy and uplifting.
(video by Cynthia Florek)
Considering the widespread banning of the keffiyeh in so many public spaces, it was so beautiful to see a pattern that exudes so much power utilized and celebrated at one of the world’s most fashionable events.
In a time when the word Palestine is rarely used in the context of celebration and joy, being in the presence of Palestinian excellence, talent and accomplishment was inspiring and uplifting. Stay tuned for our full review of Palestine 36, coming soon. And keep supporting the powerful and important work of creators from Palestine, and anywhere else that needs their story told. It’s art like this film that will help change hearts and minds, making the world a safer and more beautiful place for every single one of us.
Photo Credit: Photagonist.ca and Cynthia Florek
Nadia Elkharadly
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