Tarwida

From his acclaimed film The Wanted 18 to his multimedia art featuring the iconic Leila Khaled and the Visit Palestine poster, Amer Shomali takes us through his creative journey with all its twists and turns. In this episode, we explore how he weaves humor, animation, history, and art—not just to document struggles, but to reimagine liberated futures. 

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. Intro music by Terez Sliman. 

This conversation was recorded on January 12, 2025, and is the first of a two-part episode. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

Follow Amer Shomali on Instagram @amershomali

Visite Amer’s website

Learn more about The Icon- Leila Khaled 

Learn more about Visit Palestine poster 

Watch The Wanted 18 trailer

Follow The Palestinian Museum on Instagram @palmuseum

Maysoon Zayid doesn’t just tell jokes—she breaks barriers. In this episode of Tarwida, the trailblazing comedian, writer, and disability advocate talks about navigating the world as a disabled Palestinian woman in such critical times. With her signature wit and raw honesty, Maysoon reminds us that laughter can be a powerful weapon—and that some things are too important not to joke about.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on December 21st, 2024. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

Follow Maysoon Zayid on Instagram @maysoonzayid

Watch Maysoon’s 2014 Ted Talk 

Buy Shiny Misfits through Amazon

Listen to Shiny Misfits on Audible

Follow Dean Obediallah on Instagram @deanobeidallah

Learn more about the history behind New York’s Arab American Comedy Festival 

Book Maysoon for your event or workshop through this link

The views and opinions expressed by guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the points of view of the Tarwida Podcast, its hosts, or its team. While we value open dialogue and diverse perspectives, these conversations are not an endorsement or representation of our personal opinions.

In this episode of Tarwida, we talk to Palestinian singer Rola Azar, whose music beautifully balances the past and present, blending the traditional with the modern. For Rola, music isn’t just art—it’s life. She shares memories of growing up in Nazareth, where she’d lose herself in the melodies of the city’s neighborhoods, learning not just to sing but to uncover the stories behind the songs. Join us as Rola reflects on her journey, the power of music in preserving Palestinian identity, and what inspires her to carry Palestine in every note.

This episode is hosted by Tala Elissa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on 2nd of October, 2024 and is conducted in Arabic. For our non-Arabic-speaking listeners, you can find an English transcript through this link. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

• Follow Rola Azar on Instagram @rola.azar
• Subscribe to Rola’s YouTube channel 
• Listen to Ikhla’a Na’alaka ya Mousa
• Listen to Intathiri
• Learn more about Tawfiq Zayyad- Sumud, crucifixion, and poetry: The life of Palestinian leader Tawfiq Zayyad
• Watch Alternative Silence by Le trio Jubran
• Listen to Shamali Tarwida by Al Funoun Dance Troupe

The views and opinions expressed by guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the points of view of the Tarwida Podcast, its hosts, or its team. While we value open dialogue and diverse perspectives, these conversations are not an endorsement or representation of our personal opinions.

Throughout her works, Dana Barqawi employs diverse media including photography, paint, gold, and flowers to craft a vivid portrayal of Palestine. She seeks to deconstruct biased narratives and colonial histories, reclaiming the agency of Palestinians. While maintaining a captivating aesthetic, the artist reveals the painful story of a colonial past and the ongoing struggle for justice. Tune in to discover what drives Dana Barqawi and how she views art as a powerful tool for decolonization.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on October 1st, 2024. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

• Follow Dana Barqawi on Instagram: @dana_barqawi
• Buy Dana Barqawi’s prints
• Visit Dana’s studio by leaving her a message through this link
• She Refused her White Man’s Burden
• It takes a Village
• The Palestine Poster Project Archives
• How the sun of Palestine reached a Black Panther in jail
• Follow Brahim Jawabreh on Instagram: @brahimjawabrehgallery
• Follow Al Barakeh Wheat on Instagram: @albarakehwheat
• Before Their Diaspora: A Photographic History of the Palestinians 1876-1948
• Intro song by Rima Khsheish (a cover for Sayyed Darwish’s El Shayaleen)

The views and opinions expressed by guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the points of view of the Tarwida Podcast, its hosts, or its team. While we value open dialogue and diverse perspectives, these conversations are not an endorsement or representation of our personal opinions.

Join us as we explore the deep, mystical, and symbolic connection between the sea and Palestinians, particularly Gazans. In this episode, we meet filmmaker Asma Bseiso, whose latest work, The Seven Waves, holds profound historical significance as the last film to document Gaza before the genocide. The film follows the stories of Beesan, a professional rower, and Muhammad a fisherman and lifeguard. Through narrating their stories, Asma shares with us her boundless love for the sea and its people, her passion for filmmaking, and her unwavering devotion to Palestine.

This episode is hosted by Tala Elissa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on August 17th, 2024. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

• Asma Bseiso’s instagram @asmabseiso
• Watch The Seven Waves trailer
• Watch Lissa Aisha’s trailer
• Listen to Yusor Hamed on Spotify
• The Palestinian Museum’s exhibition about Palestine’s sea

The views and opinions expressed by guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the points of view of the Tarwida Podcast, its hosts, or its team. While we value open dialogue and diverse perspectives, these conversations are not an endorsement or representation of our personal opinions.

Join us as we delve into the rich intersections of literature and cinema as we speak with author and film critic Saleem Al Beik. This episode unpacks his unique lens on Palestine, exploring themes of 'return,' the evolution of Palestinian cinema, and the power of documentation in cultural preservation.

This conversation is conducted in Arabic, in celebration of World Arabic Language Day, observed annually on December 18. For our non-Arabic-speaking listeners, you can use this link to read the English transcript.

This episode is hosted by Tala Elissa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Kiera Doherty. Social media video production by Leen Karadsheh. Research by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on October 2nd, 2024. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

• Saleem Al Beik’s Instagram: @saleem.albeik
• Saleem’s website
• Saleem’s 3 novels: Two Tickets to Saffuriyya (2017), Scenario (2019), Ayn Al Deek (2022)
• Romman Magazine
• Watch Wedding in Galilee here
• Watch The Time that Remains here

The views and opinions expressed by guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the points of view of the Tarwida Podcast, its hosts, or its team. While we value open dialogue and diverse perspectives, these conversations are not an endorsement or representation of our personal opinions.

As the founder of the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library, Vivien Sansour is dedicated to preserving ancestral seeds and the knowledge they carry. In this episode, she explains why safeguarding these seeds is a powerful act of defiance against erasure and a vital contribution to Palestinian resistance. She also reflects on how reclaiming ancestral practices can inspire both environmental and cultural liberation. 

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Kiera Doherty. Social media video production by Leen Karadsheh. Research by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on September 9th, 2024. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

• Vivien Sansour’s Instagram: @vivien.sansour
• Vivien’s website 
• Laila El Haddad’s Instagram: @gazamom
• Anthony Bourdain’s visit to Palestine

The views and opinions expressed by guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the points of view of the Tarwida Podcast, its hosts, or its team. While we value open dialogue and diverse perspectives, these conversations are not an endorsement or representation of our personal opinions.

How would a city enduring genocide appear on a painter’s canvas? In this episode, we explore the world of Palestinian artist Malak Mattar, whose vivid yet haunting creations offer some answers. Malak, who has grown up under siege in Gaza, and whose artwork traveled before she did, shares the importance of art to Palestinian memory and identity. Tune in to learn more about how she deepens her relationship with the city she no longer lives in. 

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Kiera Doherty. Social media video production by Leen Karadsheh. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on September 27th, 2024. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

• Malak Matar’s Instagram: @malakmattarart
• Malak Mattar’s store
• Malak Mattar’s website
• Sitti’s Bird 
• Qattan Foundation’s Instagram: @qattanfoundation
• The Markaz Review article: Malak Mattar - No Words, Only Scenes of Ruin

The views and opinions expressed by guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the points of view of the Tarwida Podcast, its hosts, or its team. While we value open dialogue and diverse perspectives, these conversations are not an endorsement or representation of our personal opinions.

From finance to cinema, Farah Nabulsi's transition into an award-winning director has been fueled by her passion for justice. In this episode, we delve into how she discovered filmmaking as a powerful medium for capturing Palestinian realities and discusses the challenges she faced, from filming under occupation, to ensuring that stories and characters are well represented. Join us as Farah inspires us with her insights and dedication to using film as a tool for resisting occupation.

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and it is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Kiera Doherty. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from  Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on September 17th, 2024. 

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. 

Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

--

Relevant links and Resources: 

• Farah Nabulsi’s Instagram: @farah.nabulsi
• Oceans for Injustice 
• Saleem Albeik’s review of The Teacher
• Film Lab Palestine
• Palestine Cinema Days
• Check Farah Nabulsi’s films on her website
• The Teacher
• The Present
• Nightmare of Gaza
• Today They Took my Son

With a profound belief that artists bear the responsibility to witness and that art is an integral part of life, Susan Abulhawa, the internationally-acclaimed writer, weaves together history, activism and fiction. In this first episode of Tarwida, join us for an insightful conversation with Susan as we explore her multifaceted journey and discover how we can read our way into the depths of Palestinian culture. 

This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa and is co-produced by Lobna Monieb. Our Executive Producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social Media by Kiera Doherty. Brand design by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna.

This episode was recorded on August 27th, 2024.

Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine.  

In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be.
Follow us on @tarwidapodcast

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!

--
Relevant links and resources:

- Follow Susan Abulhawa
- Palestine Writes Festival

Buy Susan’s books through this link:

- Mornings in Jenin, 2006

- My Voice Sought the Wind, 2013

- The Blue Between Sky and Water, 2015

- Against the Loveless World, 2019

Tarwida is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi. Lead producer is Tala Elissa and Lobna Monieb is our co-producer. Our Executive Producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social Media by Kiera Doherty. Brand design by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar, The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. 

If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics!  Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you!