Author: Deema Dabis

My name is Deema Dabis, I am a Palestinian, Jordanian, American filmmaker ( Writer / Director), storyteller and workshop facilitator based out of Amman, Jordan. I am fascinated by stories that seamlessly weave together indigenous folklore and mythology with current realities and the unspoken desires that often lurk just beneath the surface of human beings. I have a BA in Journalism from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and an MFA in Cinematic Storytelling from The Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts with a focus in screenwriting and editing. My short film SHAKE (2014) was screened at festivals worldwide. I am currently developing my semi-autobiographical feature film THE SUFI CIRCUS with my Producer and sister Cherien Dabis (AMREEKA / MAY IN THE SUMMER). I am also Producing and in post production for the short film FROM THE MOUNTAIN, a proof of concept for a TV series about Sultan Basha Al Atrash and the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925 with Director Faisal Attrache, who is his great grandson. I am passionate about making film and storytelling a tool that is accessible to everyone. I have given film workshops to underprivileged populations in Jordanian towns and refugee camps, teaching filmmaking to students using simple tools like smartphones. My love for story has led me to guiding university students from the University of Hamburg, Jordan University and New York University Abu Dhabi in finding creative ways to share personal stories through video and performance. Stories live in our bodies, I guide groups of people and individuals through workshops and retreats that connect them in a clear and grounded way to their own. Once we understand our stories we can understand how to rewire them. Through accepting whatever emotions and traumas are attached to those stories we can move the stories through the body, mind, right on to changing our behavior, thus changing our stories. These workshops include bodywork, group exercises, writing and movement to help process an experience, emotion or write a screenplay, depending on the theme. I work freelance in the budding Jordanian film industry on short projects as a production manager and an editor for short films and videos in addition to transcribing English and Arabic videos.

Return From the Underworld   العودة من العالم السفلي

September 21, 2022

Goldilocks شتيله  –  كتيلة  – صفيراChiliadenus IphionoidesLeast Concern  غير مهدد بالإنقراضMOT موتReturn from the underworld   العودة من العالم السفلي Ba’ali Series #3   *Ba’ali series was created following an art installation called ‘Ba’ali,’ which I made for Darat Al Fanun’s “Re-rooting” exhibition curated by Rana Beiruti that runs from March 1st to September 30th, 2022, … More Return From the Underworld   العودة من العالم السفلي

The Shadow of the Sun  ظل الشمس 

June 24, 2022

Golden Chamomile    بابونجMatricaria Aurea Least Concern     غير مهدد بالإنقراضSHAPASH  شمس / شاباش Ba’ali Series #2  *Ba’ali series was created following an art installation called ‘Ba’ali,’ which I made for Darat Al Fanun’s “Re-rooting” exhibition curated by Rana Beiruti that runs from March 1st to September 30th, 2022. Each blog post will be a … More The Shadow of the Sun  ظل الشمس 

The Sanctity of Trees حرمة الشجر

April 25, 2022

Wild Pistachios   بطم اطلسي – بطم عدسي Pistacia Lentiscus / Pistacia Atlantica Critically Endangered / Near Threatened   نوع قريب من الخطر / نوع مهدد بخطر انقراض أقصىنوع مهدد بالانقراض بدرجة خطورة عاليةAsherah اشره  Ba’ali series 1  I created the ‘Ba’ali’ series from my art installation of the same name, displayed at the “Re-rooting” exhibition at Darat Al … More The Sanctity of Trees حرمة الشجر

Remembrance is Resistance

July 6, 2021

A conversation with the Yoga Mandala Project community. Shared about my experience and journey connecting to ancestors through remembrance, plants, land, stories, mythologies and food. Remembrance is resistance because it is a direct action against the erasure of indigenous cultures. Can listen to the full talk here:

Yoga Cafe Podcast – The importance of telling our stories

June 1, 2021

Was great to join my dear friend Rula on her Yoga Cafe podcast. We had a wonderful conversation about remembering and connecting to our ancestral plants and foods, telling our stories as Palestinians, and some issues in the so called “wellness and yoga communities” that lead people to not speak up. Check out full episode … More Yoga Cafe Podcast – The importance of telling our stories