Yansoon.ink: Stories From the Levant

My name is Deema Dabis; I am a Palestinian, Jordanian, and American filmmaker, storyteller, plant lover, and workshop facilitator based out of Amman, Jordan. The inspiration for my work comes from the native wild landscape, indigenous practices, folk foods and remedies, the elders who still hold this wisdom, and the stories and connections surrounding them.  

I have an MFA in Cinematic Storytelling from the Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts (RSICA). I am currently developing a short film called PARTING THE DEAD SEA with my Producer and sister, Cherien Dabis (AMREEKA / MAY IN THE SUMMER / RAMY) and Rula Nasser (The Imaginarium Films). I am also in early development for my docu-series NAFAS, which explores the people, places, and landscapes of Jordan, through the rich legacy of wild foraged foods.  

I produced the short film FROM THE MOUNTAIN, a historical narrative film about Sultan Basha Al Atrash, the leader of the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925. I have worked as a freelancer in the budding Jordanian film industry since 2012, in various roles from every stage of production. Check out this page here to learn more about my film and video work.

I am passionate about making films and storytelling a tool that is accessible to everyone. I have given film workshops to underprivileged populations in Jordanian towns and refugee camps and taught filmmaking to students using simple devices like smartphones. I enjoy teaching creative ways to share personal stories through video and performance. I have taught and mentored university students from institutions like the University of Hamburg, Jordan University, and New York University Abu Dhabi. 

I also offer workshops that connect us to alternative and more earth-based ways of knowing, using tools such as writing, movement, and plant connections to access, uncover and reimagine the stories that live in our bodies, memories, and landscapes. These workshops can be adapted to groups of people, individuals, and specific exploration subjects. To find out more, check out my workshop page here.

Check out my blog here to read more about my explorations. I am writing a series of articles inspired by the Ba’al Cycle from the Canaanite mythology of my ancestors. My art installation, “Ba’ali,” inspired this series, which was displayed at Darat Al Funun in Amman from March 1st to September 30th, 2022. You can read more about the exhibition here.