Stirring the Heart and Tastebuds: Food Resilience

In the heart of downtown Toronto, the Toronto Palestine Film Festival (TPFF) takes place annually between the months of September to October. This year TPFF took place September 27 to October 1^st showcasing movies, art installations, exclusive interviews, and other fun activities. In this exclusive interview with Kai Mall, we delve into the important impact of TPFF on introducing Palestinian cultures to the Western world and preserving a unique identity. Read below as Kai shares personal reflections on the festival's ability to bridge gaps, ignite change, and inspire resilience:-

TPFF has always been a vibrant celebration of Palestinian culture, cinema, and art. For me, TPFF is not just a film festival; it's a testament to the strong spirit of the Palestinian culture that refuses to be forgotten. I see it as a festival that changes the narrative. It’s nice to support and show up to events that showcase our authentic identities.

One particular event in the festival that inspired my friends and I was "In Conversation with Chef Fadi Kattan," which explored the intersection of food, culture, and resistance. Chef Fadi Kattan is someone who has truly touched my heart. For a while now I've been following his journey, and it's hard not to be moved by what he's doing. His mission is to express that food went beyond taste; it was a symbol of the Palestinian presence, their past, and their cultural identity. It was a way of declaring, "Our story will not be erased."

He's taken the flavours of Palestinian cuisine and added a new twist, making it not only delicious, but also captivating worldwide. For us Palestinians living far from our homeland, food is more than just a source of nourishment, it's a bridge that connects us to our roots and a lifeline to our culture. It’s also a huge symbol of our resilience. Sadly, over the years, there have been attempts to take over our beloved dishes and make them unrecognizable. Some have even tried to erase their Palestinian origins by giving them new names.                    

This is where we need more chefs like Chef Kattan who become a beacon of hope. They remind us that food is a means of resilience and a way to preserve our traditions. Through his cooking, Chef Kattan’s work stirs the heart, not just the taste buds, while showing us that our identity is something to be cherished and celebrated.