Interviews with palestinians
It's been a tough old month at Vandal Factory HQ. Henry and Natalie celebrate the life of a dearly departed friend and talk about the latest wave of violence affecting the Freedom Theatre in Palestine. But we also play a new track by Fold, talk about the actors and writers strikes in America and chat with Libra, part of Middle Child/Milk Presents' show: MODEST
In part 1, Henry and Natalie discuss the ongoing invasion of Gaza and why we need to raise our voices in solidarity. You'll hear Palestinian hip-hop and conversations with the directors and volunteers of the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival. We play urgent audio from Artists On The Frontline, a collective response to the occupation in the West Bank. Plus people attending the Leeds demonstrations share their emotional insights and anger as we rally to demand: FREE PALESTINE.
In part 2, Henry and Natalie share ways people in the UK have been organising, fund-raising and taking direct action. How have culture organisations and workers rallied to stand with Palestine? We play audio from incredible Palestinian artists: poet Farah Chamma, illustrator Aya Ghanameh, multidisciplinary artist Areej Kaoud and musician Saied Silbak. Khairani Barokka, Hanan Issa, Mohammad Saloo share their heartfelt poetry in support, and Em from Rootweave introduces their vital song 'From The River To The Sea'.
Marena Riyad is a Palestinian comedian, actress and Henna artist living in Dallas, Texas. She was a semi-finalist for the funniest comedian in Texas and was as a finalist for Miss Arab USA representing Palestine. She talks about the power of a story-teller and her artistry on stage working with an audience.
Every Saturday, over 1000 people of different faiths, ages and backgrounds march to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the miltary occupation of Palestine. On February 10th 2024, not only did this march centre the story of the watermelon, it featured the first ARTISTS & CULTURE WORKERS BLOC. People working in the arts sector marched shoulder-to-shoulder.
Natalie talks to British-Palestinian Shaymaa Tannira who is desperately fundraising to help her family escape from Rafah, Gaza. Please donate whatever you can via her Go Fund Me page: https://gofund.me/82a0748c
Shaymaa chooses to share two songs that have been giving her strength in recent months Habayebna by Angham and Ghorbet Watan by Mohammad Jneid.
Shaymaa chooses to share two songs that have been giving her strength in recent months Habayebna by Angham and Ghorbet Watan by Mohammad Jneid.
For months in Leeds, a sparky crew of photographers and video-makers have been documenting the demos. They've been capturing moments of anger, grief, hope and community with the sharpest shots. We gathered a handful of these snappers to discuss technique, story-telling and camaradiere.
Mark Thomas talks about England & Son, his one-man play by Ed Edwards about class, crime, capitalism, empire, stolen youth and stolen wealth. Seth Mowshowitz from Fold discusses their latest single 'Forever War' about the Military Industrial Complex. Fold are a Leeds band amplifying humanitarian perspectives & critical reflections.
Henry and Natalie visit East Street Arts and meet Juman Quneis and Taqi Spateen, with special thanks to the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival.
Juman is a film-maker from Ramallah in the West Bank whose documentary work has influenced Palestinian law. She's in the UK studying film and volunteering with the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival. She talks about her work, as well as her vision for a documentary about murdered journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
Taqi Spateen is a visual artist-activist who has worked across the world. He's visiting Leeds to paint a mural on the side of East Street Arts' building. He talks about the inspiration for his artwork, being arrested by the Israeli Occupation Forces and why he loves a classic Italian song.
Juman is a film-maker from Ramallah in the West Bank whose documentary work has influenced Palestinian law. She's in the UK studying film and volunteering with the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival. She talks about her work, as well as her vision for a documentary about murdered journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
Taqi Spateen is a visual artist-activist who has worked across the world. He's visiting Leeds to paint a mural on the side of East Street Arts' building. He talks about the inspiration for his artwork, being arrested by the Israeli Occupation Forces and why he loves a classic Italian song.
Natalie visited the Palestine Unveiled art exhibition, a one-day pop-up event at Cole's Gallery in the Leeds Corn Exhange. Celebrating solidarity through visual art and fund-raising for medical aid, Natalie met artists speak about their work and the vital importance of fund-raising. She speaks with artists Salma Kuhail, Mahgull Khan, Fatima Asad and Josh Sutton.
A live panel discussion recorded at the 10th Leeds Palestinian Film Festival on 6th December 2024. Three Palestinian creatives share their thoughts on the role of arts to tell urgent stories. Featuring actor and presenter Sarah Agha, classical musician Saied Silbak and director and producer Abed Al Ju'beh. Hosted by Natalie Quatermass.
