Dawn Images

When Palestinian filmmaker Basel Adra walked the red carpet at the 96th Academy Awards he did it bearing a powerful statement of heritage, resistance, and solidarity.

As co-director of No Other Land, which won the Oscar for Best Documentary, Adra stood alongside his fellow filmmakers Hamdan Ballal, Rachel Szor, and Yuval Abraham. While some of them donned keffiyehs and Palestinian scarves, Adra chose to make his statement through footwear.

His white trainers, adorned with traditional Palestinian tatreez embroidery, were a creation of Resolute RGL, a brand he co-founded.

The shoe brand collaborates with the women’s weaving cooperative of the Palestinian South Hebron Hills, an initiative run by his mother, Kifah Adra.

The trainers feature intricate hand-stitched embroidery in shades of terracotta and sky blue, carefully sewn onto the eyestay (the section around the laces) and the heel. The design pays homage to Palestinian craftsmanship while embracing sustainability, as the shoes are made from recycled materials and handcrafted.

Taking to Instagram, Adra shared his connection to the footwear, stating, “This brand represents my people’s heritage and tradition.” He also linked to the brand’s Kickstarter page, marking the Oscars as the official launch of the trainers.

Resolute RGL was founded in 2024 by Adra and Joseph Levin as a linen clothing brand featuring tatreez embroidery. The duo are now expanding into footwear, hoping to use the Academy Awards’ stage to introduce their trainers to a wider audience.

The project has already garnered high-profile attention. Music legend Peter Gabriel recently posted a photo of himself wearing the shoes, amplifying their visibility.

Meanwhile, Resolute RGL’s official Instagram page commemorated Adra’s Oscar win with a stirring message: “Basel’s triumph in winning the Oscar for Best Documentary with No Other Land shines a light that extends far beyond tonight. This isn’t just a win; it’s a call to action. At Resolute RGL, we’re not just making shoes; we’re crafting symbols of a people’s spirit, woven into every thread of tatreez.”

The weaving cooperative in the South Hebron Hills, established in 2005, serves as a means of livelihood for Palestinian women who have lost their olive groves and livestock due to settler encroachment and violence.

Beyond providing financial support, the cooperative fosters a sense of community while preserving traditional Palestinian embroidery techniques. With Resolute RGL’s official launch coinciding with Adra’s Oscar victory, the brand may now receive the funding needed to scale its production and reach a global audience.

For those who wish to show solidarity with Palestine, the shoes offer more than just style — they embody a tangible connection to a people’s struggle.