Our Story

Hi, I’m Deena Alsaweer, the director of Stitches, and I’m excited to invite you into the world of our film. This is not just a film about fashion; it’s about naiveté, resilience, and the power of community. 

Stitches follows Kareem, a naively joyful Palestinian-Canadian dressmaker, who spreads love through the wedding dresses he creates. But when a trade embargo bans wedding dresses from entering Palestine, his niece, Hind, steps in. Determined to defy the embargo and to cheer her uncle up, Hind takes Kareem on a mission to smuggle wedding dresses into Palestine, disguising them as shisha-packing paper. Despite the violent tragedies, Kareem strives for normalcy and to find his joy again.

. Watch the Official "Stitches" Trailer

Why This Story Matters

Kareem, a Palestinian-Canadian dressmaker, is a beloved figure in his community. His niece’s mission to smuggle banned wedding dresses, disguised as shisha-packing paper, is more than just an act of rebellion. It’s a symbol of love and resistance.

Stitches isn’t just about defying a ban; it’s about defying despair with laughter. Inspired by the real-life ban on wedding dresses, this film beautifully captures the simplicity of Arab joy. Through Kareem’s journey, you'll experience the tender moments of Arab culture: how tea connects us, how weddings unite us, and how, even in the darkest times, we still find ways to crack a joke and make each other smile.

At its heart, Stitches highlights the strength of Arab hospitality, community, and joy. By following Kareem, a gentle and forgiving man, this film offers a fresh, poignant look at the resilient Palestinian spirit.

How Your Support Helps

To take this story to the next level, we need your support. Every contribution will go towards film festival submissions and promotional activities. With your help, we can show the world the joy, resilience, and beauty that Stitches is all about!

Your donation goes toward ensuring Stitches reaches global audiences, and especially to a screening near YOU!  Whether you donate $25 or $265, you’ll be part of something bigger, helping to show the world that hope, joy, and community are stronger than our adversity.

Fun Fact:

'Kareem' is the Arabic word for 'generous man' 

How You Can Help

You can make a difference today by:

1. Donating: Every contribution, big or small, helps us bring this story to a screen near you.
2. Sharing Our Story: Spread the word by sharing this campaign with friends, family, and your social networks.

Together, we can tell Kareem’s story and share a fresh, joyful side of Arab culture that the world rarely gets to see.

Your Perks

By supporting our campaign, you’ll receive exclusive rewards that bring you deeper into our world:

• $25: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access with a special 22 minute video featuring never before seen cast and crew interviews.
• $50: Limited edition stickers and a personalized thank you video from the director.
• $100: Limited edition stickers, personalized thank you, and a 1-on-1 virtual chat with the director.
• $200 - $265: All the perks + signed medium to full-sized movie poster, personally autographed by the director. 
• $2,000 Corporate: Host a private screening and live Q&A with the director - perfect for corporate events or community gatherings.

💌  donate & share today 💌

🎬 THANK YOU 🎬