Filmmaker Cherien Dabis speaks with Fast Company about the challenges of getting a Palestinian story made and why traditional financing often falls short. When Cherien Dabis entered the doors of Fast Company’s lower Manhattan offices, she was the picture of grace: Willowy and effervescent, she greeted me with the air of an old friend, though we had only connected once before.
Hollywood was too afraid to distribute this movie. So the director built her own company and did it herself
Why This Matters
Cherien Dabis's decision to create her own distribution company highlights a growing trend among filmmakers to bypass traditional financing and distribution channels, empowering creators to bring diverse stories to audiences. This approach signals a shift in the industry, encouraging more independent productions and innovative distribution methods. For consumers, it means greater access to unique, underrepresented narratives that might otherwise remain unseen.
Key Takeaways
- Filmmakers are increasingly creating their own distribution channels to bypass traditional barriers.
- Independent distribution empowers diverse and underrepresented stories.
- This trend could reshape industry norms and expand audience access to niche content.
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cherien dabis
fast company
palestinian story
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