TPFF is proud to present original work by local Palestinian filmmakers. The films were developed, workshopped, filmed and produced through the 2024 TPFF Film Residency, in partnership with Trinity Square Video. After an exciting year-long process, TPF presents the world premieres of these incredible films.
KAREEM is a Palestinian dress maker who navigates difficult customers and the intricacies of life with a touch of humor and cultural nuance.
When news breaks out that wedding dresses are prohibited from entering Palestine, KAREEM’S world is shaken up when his spunky niece, HIND, helps him embark on a mission to disguise the wedding dresses as conspicuous packing wrapping for shishas (hookah) and smuggle them into Palestine.
The film takes a poignant turn when a news update reveals that the trade embargo has been lifted, but the reason is darker and more devastating than one can imagine, leaving KAREEM to rebuild not just his shop but also his sense of joy and community in the face of tragedy. With a mix of humour, cultural nuance, and a touch of bittersweet reality, this short film explores the beautiful power of human connection and the resilience of the Palestinian spirit.
Deena Alsaweer is a Fulbright Scholar with an M.A. in Film/TV from the Savannah College of Art & Design. Since leaving her career in International Logistics a decade ago, Deena has gone on to win several best screenplay awards and has worked with a range of production companies on TV, digital projects, and films for broadcasters such as TVOKids, CBC, Unis TV, Hallmark, and Bell Fibe TV1. What drives her art is being a passionate champion for underrepresented voices.
- Year2024
- LanguageEnglish, Arabic
- CountryCanada
- PremiereWorld
- GenreNarrative Short Film
- DirectorDeena Alsaweer
- Cast"Sam Awwad Marianne Laver Ivana Khadaj Hussain Dawwas"
TPFF is proud to present original work by local Palestinian filmmakers. The films were developed, workshopped, filmed and produced through the 2024 TPFF Film Residency, in partnership with Trinity Square Video. After an exciting year-long process, TPF presents the world premieres of these incredible films.
KAREEM is a Palestinian dress maker who navigates difficult customers and the intricacies of life with a touch of humor and cultural nuance.
When news breaks out that wedding dresses are prohibited from entering Palestine, KAREEM’S world is shaken up when his spunky niece, HIND, helps him embark on a mission to disguise the wedding dresses as conspicuous packing wrapping for shishas (hookah) and smuggle them into Palestine.
The film takes a poignant turn when a news update reveals that the trade embargo has been lifted, but the reason is darker and more devastating than one can imagine, leaving KAREEM to rebuild not just his shop but also his sense of joy and community in the face of tragedy. With a mix of humour, cultural nuance, and a touch of bittersweet reality, this short film explores the beautiful power of human connection and the resilience of the Palestinian spirit.
Deena Alsaweer is a Fulbright Scholar with an M.A. in Film/TV from the Savannah College of Art & Design. Since leaving her career in International Logistics a decade ago, Deena has gone on to win several best screenplay awards and has worked with a range of production companies on TV, digital projects, and films for broadcasters such as TVOKids, CBC, Unis TV, Hallmark, and Bell Fibe TV1. What drives her art is being a passionate champion for underrepresented voices.
- Year2024
- LanguageEnglish, Arabic
- CountryCanada
- PremiereWorld
- GenreNarrative Short Film
- DirectorDeena Alsaweer
- Cast"Sam Awwad Marianne Laver Ivana Khadaj Hussain Dawwas"
