Tabbeh was written and produced on the stolen lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nations. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia, where our content reaches and on which any partner organisations stand. Sovereignty was never ceded.

ABOUT THE FILM

In the heart of Aleppo, Syria, Tabbeh was brought to life. 

It spread through schools and playgrounds, becoming a vehicle of escape, fun and innocence for children of all ages. 

Tabbeh does not exist anymore, perhaps only in memories. The cards dispersed in the back pockets of past players of the Syrian diaspora. 

But we’re bringing it back, through a magical realism Arabic short film. 

Tabbeh is about two 13-year-old best friends, Farha and Rosa, who sit down under a homemade fort for a round of Tabbeh and catch up on the latest gossip in town. Their passion for play and friendship takes them far and wide, into different worlds of their own. They change into different costumes, imitating different people, wanting to grow up quickly. With magical realism, there is no limit to their imaginations.

Magical realism is strongly rooted in anti-colonial narratives and re-claiming stories. In Arabic cinema, there is space and importance for stories on Arabic disposession and experiences to exist, but it's time to embrace new subgenres, because we deserve to see those stories, too. Not only for us, but for those who remember the game, and all the warmth it brought them in the most difficult times. 

This isn't a film about nostalgia, it's a re-telling of a special moment between friends. Rosa and Farha share this single moment in time, despite all odds against them, their love of play, innocence, and each other, can transform them into anywhere and everywhere they want to go. 

But Rosa and Farha’s imaginations can’t come to life without your help. Your donation would help build on Australia’s diverse media, on and off screen. Your support is directly going to our crew of completely female, student and emerging filmmakers.

This crew is led by Sarah Ghassali, an emerging writer/director from Aleppo, Syria residing in Naarm (Melbourne), following on from her successful Arabic short film, La Tansouna.

This month has been a difficult time for the Syrian community, here and abroad, therefore any additional donations will go directly to support Earthquake reliefs in Aleppo and surrounds.

MEET THE CREW

Tabbeh is a self-funded, student produced short film.

Our major expense areas are:

• Studio hire 
• Actors payment (MEAA rates) 
• Creating and printing decks of Tabbeh cards
• Catering 
• External equipment hire 
• Festival entry and distribution costs

THANK YOU

We are so grateful for any donations, big or small. To learn more about our film, head over to our Instagram @tabbehfilm or shoot us an email at [email protected] for any questions!