Episode Description
In this episode of The Thin Veil, Ezra sits down with Palestinian filmmaker, writer, podcaster, and storyteller Rolla Selbak for a wide-ranging conversation on propaganda, identity, Hollywood, and what collective liberation could actually look like.
They explore Rolla's journey growing up Palestinian, the moment she began questioning dominant narratives, and how filmmaking and satire have become powerful forms of resistance. Also discussed is Israel's propaganda apparatus, the changing media landscape after October 7th, her experience being dropped by Hollywood's Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and why she now sees that loss as one of the greatest gifts of her career.
They also dive into what it means to have queer Palestinian identity, speaking to Jewish audiences with compassion while remaining uncompromising in the pursuit of justice, and what a truly free Palestine could mean for everyone who calls the land home.
Rolla's Website
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Rolla's Youtube
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- (00:00) - Intro
- (02:10) - Rolla's "Thin Veil" moment
- (08:45) - Growing up Palestinian & questioning dominant narratives
- (16:30) - Storytelling as resistance
- (24:15) - Satire, humor & surviving impossible times
- (30:45) - Queer Palestinian identity & pinkwashing
- (43:20) - Israeli propaganda & the changing media landscape
- (56:40) - Hollywood, CAA & finding freedom
- (01:09:15) - Speaking to Jewish audiences
- (01:22:30) - Jewish anti-Zionism & solidarity
- (01:36:00) - What does a free Palestine actually look like?
- (01:49:30) - Hope, collective liberation & closing reflections