What happened between Alana Hadid and Watermelon Pictures? Creative director exits Palestinian film company

Street Style At Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26 - Day 4 - Source: Getty
Street Style At Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26 - Day 4 - Source: Getty

The oldest of the Hadid sisters, Alana Hadid, has gone separate ways from the Palestinian film company she helped launch, Watermelon Pictures. The older sister of Gigi and Bella took to her official Instagram to break the news. She explained that funding had run out to support her role in the company, causing her to walk away.

“I never thought this would be a post I would have to make. Unfortunately, I am no longer the Creative Director of Watermelon Pictures,” she began. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve in this role, helping shape the company's identity and champion the stories that deserved to be seen. Though I was never a salaried employee or an equity holder, I took on this company as if it were my own because I believed so deeply in its mission. I thought this was my forever work, and in many ways, it still is, which makes this moment all the more heartbreaking.”

Alana Hadid continued:

“I was recently told that there was no longer funding available to support my role in its current form. While that decision wasn't mine, choosing to step away ultimately was.”

Adding:

“As a Palestinian, I believe deeply in the value of our cultural labor, and I carry that principle into every space l enter. I remain profoundly proud of the vision, momentum, and global awareness. It meant everything to use my voice, my platform, and my creative vision to uplift filmmakers whose stories are too often pushed to the margins.”

Alana Hadid concluded the lengthy statement:

“As a Palestinian woman, I am profoundly proud of the space I held in this company, and to have been the only Palestinian woman on staff to launch the project was an honor. I will always stand behind the artists and communities we uplifted during my time as Creative Director. And while this chapter is ending far sooner than l ever expected, l am stepping into my next chapter with even more purpose, one that reflects the full value of what our people create and the mission I carry. More soon. Thank you all.”

More details on Alana Hadid’s departure from Watermelon Pictures

Watermelon Pictures is a Palestinian film distribution company that, according to its official website:

“Champion unheard voices, inspire the world to stand up to injustice and imagine our way into a shared, liberated future.”

It was founded by Badie Ali and Hamza Ali. Alana Hadid joined the company last year. In a follow-up statement, Alana stressed that she was in full support of the company and was paid during her time with them.

“I support Watermelon Pictures, though I'm sad that I couldn't stay on, business is business. I was being paid, but I was on contract, which is different than having a salary. I was an independent contractor. Thank you all for the love and support, it was just important I let you know.”

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Edited by Onuh Eunice