Enter Watermelon+, the brand-new streaming platform co-founded by Alana Hadid (sister of supermodels Bella and Gigi Hadid), along with filmmakers Badie Ali and Hamza Ali.
Launching globally on May 8, Watermelon+ is being hailed as a bold new home for Palestinian stories and world cinema.
At a time when many important voices struggle to find a platform, Watermelon+ is stepping in to shine a spotlight on powerful, diverse, and critically acclaimed films — many of which have been unavailable on major streaming services.
Subscribers (just $7.99/month or $79.99/year) will get exclusive access to an incredible lineup of films, including:
The Teacher (2023) — Farah Nabulsi’s Powerful Feature Debut
Following her Oscar-nominated success with The Present, British-Palestinian director Farah Nabulsi returned with her first full-length feature, The Teacher. The film centers on a Palestinian schoolteacher, played by Saleh Bakri, who secretly leads a double life as a resistance operative under Israeli occupation. The Teacher dives deep into the daily struggles, quiet heroism, and moral dilemmas faced by ordinary Palestinians living under occupation, blending personal drama with political tension. Premiering at several international festivals, the film was praised for its nuanced portrayal of life in Palestine, emotional performances, and Nabulsi’s mature direction.
The Present (2020) — Oscar-Nominated Short That Captured Global Hearts
The Present marked Nabulsi’s breakout moment. The 24-minute short follows a father (played by Saleh Bakri) and his young daughter on what should be a simple errand: buying a wedding anniversary gift. But navigating checkpoints and military restrictions turns the journey into a powerful and painful reflection on life under occupation. The film struck a chord worldwide, winning a BAFTA Award and receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. Its intimate storytelling and relatable human core brought the Palestinian experience to millions who had never seen it portrayed so personally before.
The Encampments (2025) — Capturing a Movement in Real Time
One of Watermelon+’s most timely acquisitions, The Encampments documents the student-led Columbia University Gaza Solidarity Encampment that made international headlines. Filmed during the 2024–2025 academic year, it captures the raw, unfiltered voices of students, faculty, and activists demanding institutional accountability and greater awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The film offers a front-row seat to one of the most impactful campus protests in recent U.S. history, while exploring themes of free speech, academic activism, and global solidarity.
From Ground Zero (2025) — Palestine’s Official Oscar Submission, Backed by Michael Moore
From Ground Zero tells the harrowing story of a Palestinian family trying to survive and rebuild after a devastating airstrike. The film’s unflinching depiction of trauma, resilience, and humanity drew critical acclaim and led to its selection as Palestine’s official entry to the 2025 Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. Legendary filmmaker Michael Moore joined the project as an executive producer, lending his support to a story that resonated across borders. The film was also shortlisted for an Oscar, further solidifying its impact on the global stage.
Omar (2013) — Palestine’s First Oscar-Nominated Feature
Directed by Hany Abu-Assad, Omar was Palestine’s breakout film on the world stage. It tells the gripping story of a young Palestinian man who becomes entangled in betrayal, love, and resistance after he’s coerced into becoming an informant. The thriller’s tense plot, striking cinematography, and heartbreaking moral conflicts earned it a Best Foreign Language Film Oscar nomination — a historic moment for Palestinian cinema.
Theeb (2014) — Jordan’s Oscar-Nominated Bedouin Epic
While not a Palestinian film, Theeb (meaning “wolf” in Arabic) reflects the rich cinematic heritage of the Arab world. Directed by Naji Abu Nowar, it follows a young Bedouin boy navigating the harsh desert during WWI after becoming separated from his family. The film’s breathtaking visuals and intimate coming-of-age story led to an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, and it became a rare global success for an all-Bedouin cast.
Five Broken Cameras (2011) — Oscar-Nominated Documentary from Bil’in
One of the most internationally recognized Palestinian documentaries, Five Broken Cameras offers a personal account of life in the West Bank village of Bil’in. Co-directed by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat and Israeli filmmaker Guy Davidi, the film uses Burnat’s five destroyed cameras as a metaphor for both personal and collective resilience against Israeli settlements and military incursions. It received an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature, and remains one of the most powerful first-person accounts of nonviolent resistance ever captured on film.
“Our vision is to grow Watermelon+ into a must-have platform for underserved communities everywhere,” said co-founder Badie Ali. His brother Hamza added: “It’s not only a preservation of our past; it’s fuel for our future.”
With stunning films, bold voices, and a mission rooted in representation, Watermelon+ is being called one of the most exciting new streaming platforms of 2025 — and a beacon for storytellers around the world.
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