Cherien Dabis Discusses 'All That's Left of You' Amid Production Challenges
Filmmaker Cherien Dabis shares insights into her latest film, 'All That's Left of You,' highlighting its narrative focus and the obstacles faced during production.
Filmmaker Cherien Dabis's latest work, 'All That's Left of You,' chronicles the journey of a Palestinian family across three generations, beginning in 1948. The film delves into themes of love, loss, and resilience amid historical upheavals. Dabis, known for her roles in 'The L Word' and 'Ramy,' both directs and stars in this project.
Initially slated for production in Palestine, the team faced significant challenges when escalating tensions in October 2023 necessitated an evacuation. Dabis recounted, "We were only two weeks away from shooting when October 7 happened, and, you know, we had to stop in our tracks." The production subsequently relocated to Jordan, utilizing refugee camps in the north to authentically depict the family's narrative.
The film has garnered critical acclaim, with audiences expressing profound emotional responses. Dabis noted, "I’ve had people say they felt healed by the movie, that they felt seen, that they’ve never seen a movie that had really shown them their own trauma before."
'All That's Left of You' is currently screening in select U.S. theaters, offering viewers a poignant exploration of a family's endurance through decades of adversity.