Watermelon Pictures

For Your Consideration: Best International Film at the 97th Academy Awards, Palestine’s Official Submission ‘From Ground Zero’. From Executive Producer Michael Moore, ‘From Ground Zero’ serves as a remarkable reflection of how art can thrive even in the darkest times, showcasing the enduring spirit and creativity that emerge amid ongoing devastation.

Breaking News: Michael Moore joins "From Ground Zero" as Executive Producer! We’re proud to announce that this powerful documentary, now backed by the legendary Michael Moore, has been selected as Palestine’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards. With his unparalleled passion for impactful storytelling, Michael’s involvement is a major step as we edge closer to an Oscar nomination. A heartfelt tribute to the incredible Rashid Masharawi and the team of 22 visionary filmmakers who brought this story to life. Your talent and courage have created a film that captures the resilience and humanity of Gaza in a way the world needs to see. At Watermelon Pictures, our mission is clear: to amplify voices like yours and ensure they’re heard in the way they truly deserve. This milestone is a testament to that commitment, and we couldn’t be more honored to stand beside you on this journey. Here’s to taking this story to the global stage. https://lnkd.in/gBcmeMXM

We are incredibly proud to announce that ‘From Ground Zero’, Palestine’s Official Submission to the 97th Academy Awards?, has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film! This powerful documentary captures the resilience and humanity of those living through unimaginable devastation. It stands as a testament to the courage of Palestinian storytellers and image makers—whose voices are being heard, whose stories are being seen, and whose truths are reaching the world. Congratulations to the entire team behind ‘From Ground Zero’ and to all the remarkable films on this year’s shortlist. Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the impact of this story. Let’s continue to amplify the voices that matter and tell the stories the world needs to see. https://lnkd.in/gVZiiMXq

Watermelon Pictures is proud to announce the release of 'From Ground Zero,' Palestine's official entry to the 2025 Academy Awards. This extraordinary documentary, created under the most harrowing of circumstances, is a testament to the resilience, courage, and creativity of Palestinian filmmakers who defy unimaginable odds to tell their story. At Watermelon Pictures, we remain steadfast in our mission to amplify voices often left unheard. By championing projects like?From Ground Zero, we hope to not only bring awareness to the injustices faced by Palestinians but also inspire global audiences to stand for justice and liberation. We invite you to watch the trailer, join us in this journey, and support the incredible work of these filmmakers as we embark on an Oscar campaign to bring this story to the world. #WatermelonPictures #FromGroundZero #Palestine #OscarCampaign #AmplifyVoices #StorytellingForJustice

The lineup for the 28th Arab Film Festival is now live! Please join us October 24-November 3 in the San Francisco Bay Area and online for selection of some of the best films from across the Arab World, presented by Arab Film and Media Institute The festival will open with the touching documentary LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL: A LETTER TO GAZA on 10/24 at the Palace of Fine Arts, courtesy of Watermelon Pictures. Check out the full schedule below. I hope to see you there! https://lnkd.in/eyr6y4wp

?? Exciting News! Watermelon Pictures is proud to announce that we have acquired the U.S. domestic distribution rights to 'From Ground Zero,' a powerful documentary capturing the stories of resilience and survival during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. This film will represent Palestine in this year’s Oscar race for Best International Feature and had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. 'From Ground Zero' is a compelling project that brings together 22 short films created by talented filmmakers from Gaza. Launched by Rashid Masharawi, a renowned Palestinian filmmaker, the initiative was born against the backdrop of conflict and aims to provide a platform for young artists to express themselves through their craft. Each film, ranging from 3 to 6 minutes, presents a unique perspective on the current reality in Gaza. This project captures the diverse experiences of life in the Palestinian enclave, including the challenges, tragedies, and moments of resilience its people face. Using a mix of genres—fiction, documentary, docu-fiction, animation, and experimental cinema—'From Ground Zero' presents a rich diversity of stories reflecting the sorrow, joy, and hope inherent in Gazan life. With this acquisition, we continue our commitment to amplifying voices that are often silenced and sharing stories that demand to be seen. This documentary perfectly aligns with our mission of using storytelling as a force for change, and we can't wait for you to experience it. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this vital piece of history to light. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to share this important work with the world. ???? #WatermelonPictures #GazaFromGroundZero #Documentary #StorytellingForChange #AmplifyingVoices #Palestine #OscarRace https://lnkd.in/gA_6WxdR

How did the humble watermelon become a symbol of creative resistance? ?? What may seem like an ordinary fruit has, for decades, represented something far more profound for Palestinians—a symbol of resilience, identity, and defiance in the face of occupation. ???? This video explores the incredible journey of how Palestinian artists transformed the watermelon into an emblem of creative resistance. From its vibrant colors mirroring the Palestinian flag to its powerful representation in the face of censorship, the watermelon stands as an enduring symbol of unity and hope. It’s more than a fruit—it’s a powerful reminder that symbols can speak louder than words, shaping movements, empowering voices, and telling the truth of a nation that refuses to be erased. ??? https://lnkd.in/gEZbHa3k #WatermelonPictures #PictureAWatermelon #WeAreTheSeeds #FromTheRiverToTheScreen #PalestineWillBeSeen #ArtAsResistance #ArtHistory

?? Big News from Watermelon Pictures! ?? We are proud to announce the acquisition of acclaimed director Mahdi Fleifel’s latest film, "To A Land Unknown." ???? This gripping narrative delves deep into themes of exile, belonging, and survival, continuing Mahdi's powerful work in representing the untold stories of displaced communities. As a company rooted in amplifying the voices of the disenfranchised, we are honored to bring this project to the world. Fleifel’s bold storytelling aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire, challenge, and ignite change through cinema. For more details, check out the recent feature in Variety: https://lnkd.in/gZWVj2wT Together, we are shaping a new wave of storytelling that unites, uplifts, and liberates. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable project. ??? #WatermelonPictures #MahdiFleifel #ToALandUnknown #FilmAcquisition #PalestinianCinema #StorytellingThatMatters #LiberationThroughArt #Variety

??? Since its inception, the Amman International Film Festival has grown significantly, rapidly gaining a stellar reputation among filmmakers and cinephiles alike. It has been an absolute joy to witness and contribute to the 5th edition of this dynamic and inspiring event. In my role as a programmer, I was thrilled to watch so many incredible films and witness amazing talents on display. I also had the privilege of moderating sessions, most notably a masterclass with Watermelon Pictures on “Decolonizing the Narrative.” This insightful discussion reflected the festival’s theme "Ihkeeli" (tell me), which underscores the power of storytelling and resonates deeply with the ongoing need for impactful narratives that challenge, inspire, and connect audiences in the Global South. Here’s to many more years of celebrating exceptional cinema and storytelling! ????

?? Radical imagination is the ability to envision the world, life, and society not as they are, but as they could be. ? ?? Radical imagination is essential for changing the world. It's the kind of imagination that comes easily to children but can be elusive for adults. ? ?? Through the lens of radical imagination, cinema becomes a powerful tool for liberation. ? We humbly invite you to join us at the movies. Together, we can... ? Picture Hope. Picture Liberation. Picture a Free Palestine. Picture a Watermelon. ? WE are the seeds. ? Cover ??: Nidal Waheid / @nidalalwaheidi ? #WatermelonPictures #FromTheRiverToTheScreen #PalestineWillBeSeen #PictureHope #WeAreTheSeeds #RadicalImagination