Palestinian-American filmmaker Cherien Dabis said the importance of connecting with global audiences during a conversation at the United Nations on Feb. 4, 2026 [3].
The appearance highlights the role of cinema in bridging cultural divides and bringing attention to the complexities of Palestinian displacement on a diplomatic stage.
Dabis spoke at an event for the International Day of Human Fraternity, which was presented by the UN Movie Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council [4]. The conversation focused on her work and the promotion of her Oscar-shortlisted film, “All That’s Left of You” [4].
During the discussion, Dabis said the necessity of engaging viewers worldwide to foster understanding. Her efforts to reach diverse audiences have included screenings in Malaysia, the Czech Republic, and Iceland [5].
Personal history also informed the filmmaker's perspective on the themes of her work. Dabis said she was detained by Israeli soldiers for 12 hours [2] when she was eight years old [1].
By sharing these experiences, Dabis aimed to illustrate the human cost of conflict and the enduring nature of displacement. The event served as a platform to connect the artistic narrative of her film with the broader human rights goals of the United Nations [4].
“Cherien Dabis discussed the importance of connecting with global audiences”
The use of an Oscar-shortlisted film as a catalyst for discussion at the United Nations demonstrates a shift toward using narrative storytelling to supplement diplomatic dialogue. By centering the personal experiences of displacement, the event attempted to humanize geopolitical conflicts for a diverse international audience.
