The documentary, produced by Casa Árabe, was filmed during the workshopsheld in November and December 2023 at Casa Árabe’s headquarters in Madrid and Cordoba.

It includes interviews with the cultural embroiderer Dina Asfour, the Spanish_Palestinian artist and professor Maysun Cheikh Ali Mediavilla and archeologist and public informer Maribel Gutiérrez.

“Tatreez,” traditional Palestinian embroidery, named a form of Intangible Heritage by UNESCO since 2021, is a Palestinian folk art traditionally practiced by women, which has now become a symbol of Palestinian culture, identity and resistance. The word “tatreez” literally means embroidery in Arabic, and although the term is used to refer to embroidery in general, it is understood to refer to cross-stitch within the Palestinian context. Beyond its use on clothing, dresses and scarves, it can be found in drawings, artwork and signage. Moreover, it is an art form in and of itself, and a means of survival, having become a practice which provides a space for interaction by women, shared with similar artistic customs and practices in other regions of the Arab world and Mediterranean.

In both the workshops held at Casa Árabe and the documentary, the goal is to increase awareness about the different varieties and dimensions of Palestinian embroidery, its significance in Palestinian identity and culture, as well as in the economy and society, thus creating networks and job opportunities for locals and the refugee population, above all among women.

DOCUMENTARY Full version (29:25 minutes)



Short version (11:44 minutes)