Alana Hadid, aged 40 and elder sister of models Bella and Gigi Hadid, has resigned from her role at Watermelon Pictures following a reported financial dispute. Ms Hadid joined the Palestinian film distribution company in 2024 as creative director. Watermelon Pictures describes its mission as amplifying voices from marginalized and underrepresented communities, with a focus on Palestinian creators and narratives.
In a public statement, Ms Hadid indicated that funding for her role had ceased, necessitating her departure. She clarified that she was an independent contractor rather than a salaried employee or equity holder and emphasized her ongoing support for the company despite stepping down.
Watermelon Pictures, co-founded by Badie Ali and Hamza Ali, recently appointed Nabil Kazi as EVP of Marketing and Brand Development. The company operates a streaming service, Watermelon+, and holds distribution rights to documentaries including The Six Billion Dollar Man, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, and Israelism, which received critical acclaim but faced criticism from certain pro-Israel organizations.
Ms Hadid has previously engaged in the fashion industry and activism, with a particular focus on Palestinian representation in media. She stated her commitment to promoting authentic Palestinian narratives, including mainstream portrayals beyond stereotypical roles.
Ms Hadid is the daughter of Palestinian-American real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and Mary Butler, and the half-sister of Gigi and Bella Hadid.#newsafro_
