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‘Life and Art Kind of Merged’: Actor–Director Cherien Dabis on Her Scramble to Make the Epic ‘All That’s Left of You’

Dabis explained the production pivot from Palestine to Cyprus, Jordan and Greece after October 7, citing safety concerns and evacuation of foreign crew.
The director noted the film was partly shot in Cyprus, then Jordan and Greece, with some remote work in Palestine due to safety and movement limits.
Dabis said the film’s urgency grew as the crisis unfolded, influencing how the story resonated with audiences.
The interview highlighted audience responses that the film reflects true Palestinian trauma and memories from grandparents and survivors.
Dabis credited literature and personal stories over film for inspiration, with films like 'The Time That Remains' and novels guiding her approach.
Dabis expressed hope that Palestinian cinema gains broader, global distribution after three films were shortlisted for the Academy Awards.
Dabis described the film as a multi-generational story about trauma shaped by the Israeli occupation.
The director emphasized that the film aims to connect audiences with the grandparents’ experiences and memory through authentic storytelling.
The interview notes that the project included extensive on-ground Palestinian collaboration and crafted props spanning multiple eras.
Dabis framed the film as both a personal story and a broader cultural reflection, highlighting its potential to shift perspectives on Palestinian history.

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