logo
Emirati Filmmaker Maitha Alawadi to Speak at SXSW Panel in Texas

Emirati Filmmaker Maitha Alawadi to Speak at SXSW Panel in Texas

CairoScene28-03-2025

The panel will delve into the evolving landscape of Middle Eastern storytelling and its increasing influence on global cinema.
Internationally acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Maitha Alawadi will participate in the panel discussion 'The Future of Storytelling: A Middle Eastern Series (Part 3)' at the prestigious SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, on March 10th, 2025.
Known for her film Al Eid Eiden and her work across more than 20 short films, Alawadi—alongside Mohammed Harib (Lammtara Art Production) and Butheina Kazim (Cinema Akil)—will explore how Middle Eastern creators are reshaping global narratives by breaking stereotypes and offering fresh, authentic perspectives on the region's rich cultural heritage.
The discussion will also examine how these innovative voices are contributing to a more inclusive and nuanced portrayal of the Middle East in the global entertainment industry.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development signs agreement with Inovartic Investment to support startups in UAE gaming sector
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development signs agreement with Inovartic Investment to support startups in UAE gaming sector

Mid East Info

time5 days ago

  • Mid East Info

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development signs agreement with Inovartic Investment to support startups in UAE gaming sector

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has entered into a strategic agreement with the Inovartic Investment to enhance bilateral cooperation and support startups in the gaming sector in the UAE. At the centre of this agreement is a comprehensive framework designed to support early-stage gaming enterprises by offering incubation services, specialised training programs, and financial support. These initiatives will help developers design, build, and successfully bring to market original gaming content. Additionally, the agreement will deliver capacity-building programs to enhance expertise in areas such as game design and storytelling, in line with international best practices. A significant emphasis will also be placed on developing culturally inspired intellectual property that highlights Emirati heritage through authentic narratives, further supplementing the gaming sector with local content. To further accelerate innovation, the collaboration will focus on streamlining the commercialisation of gaming prototypes, enhancing investor pitch strategies, and improving pathways for successful launch of products in the market. Additionally, the agreement will pave the way for joint events and exhibitions that will showcase local talent and groundbreaking projects, increasing their visibility and impact on a larger scale. Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: 'This partnership represents a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs within the gaming industry. By cultivating an environment that advocates creativity and innovation, we seek to unlock the capabilities of local talent in this dynamic field. Our collaboration with Inovartic Investment reflects our steadfast dedication to strengthening the knowledge economy and promoting sustainable development across diverse sectors, in alignment with the UAE's long-term national vision.' Saif Al Darmaki, Chairman and Co-Founder of Inovartic Investment, stated: 'This agreement marks a transformative chapter in shaping the UAE's future creative economy. By uniting strategic incubators with the rich legacy of Emirati storytelling, we are empowering a new generation of game developers to craft globally resonant intellectual properties — rooted in Abu Dhabi's vision. Our collaboration with Khalifa Fund underscores a shared ambition: to drive innovation, celebrate local heritage, and position Abu Dhabi as the region's premier hub for gaming industry.' Anwar Hussain, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Inovartic Investment, said: 'We are honoured to partner with Khalifa Fund in driving transformative growth within the gaming industry. This collaboration goes beyond nurturing startups — it is about building a dynamic ecosystem where creative talent, cultural heritage, and global vision converge. Together, we are empowering Emirati innovators to redefine the gaming landscape, ensuring their influence extends from the UAE to the world stage.' This partnership underscores the shared dedication of both organisations toward nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the gaming sector. It marks a strategic move toward driving innovation and sustainable growth in the sector, while cementing the UAE's role as a centre for digital creativity. By providing financial support, skill development, and startup acceleration, Khalifa Fund and Inovartic Investment jointly aim to build an integrated ecosystem that supports the UAE's broader economic aspirations. Together, they strive to elevate Abu Dhabi's position as a leading regional hub for gaming, aligned with global standards, offering transformative opportunities and innovative solutions to entrepreneurs and creatives alike.

Thawra, Ebaa Monther & Noise Diva Call Out Media Bias on ‘3antar'
Thawra, Ebaa Monther & Noise Diva Call Out Media Bias on ‘3antar'

CairoScene

time5 days ago

  • CairoScene

Thawra, Ebaa Monther & Noise Diva Call Out Media Bias on ‘3antar'

The holy trinity presents a compelling satire on the media's censorship and ignorance of the war in Syria. Jun 03, 2025 Syrian trailblazing rappers Thawra and Ebaa Monther join forces on a collaborative single, titled '3antar', a subversive socio-political observation of the media echo chamber, specifically criticising its handling of the war in Syria. The track's production is helmed by Amsterdam-based Syrian DJ and sound designer Noise Diva, who crafts a dark, hypnotic blend of trap and raw noise textures bubbling with tension and low intensity, subtly accented by Middle Eastern percussion here and there. On the track, Thawra and Ebaa fire back against censorship, exchanging sharp satirical verses packed with double entendres, through which both rappers paint a vivid imagery of an arrogant, passive male figure called '3antar', deliberately choosing to ignore the ugly reality of systemic destruction and ethnic cleansing.

"The Accountant 2" Sets Streaming Date
"The Accountant 2" Sets Streaming Date

See - Sada Elbalad

time5 days ago

  • See - Sada Elbalad

"The Accountant 2" Sets Streaming Date

Yara Sameh Amazon MGM Studios announced on Monday that "The Accountant 2", starring Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal, will stream globally on Prime Video on Thursday, June 5. This comes following an April theatrical release that saw the action thriller sequel gross over $100 million worldwide. Prior to that, it premiered to critical acclaim at SXSW, winning the festival's Headliner Audience Award. In the film directed by Gavin O'Connor, which follows up 2016's "The Accountant", Affleck reprises his role as Christian Wolff, who has a talent for solving complex problems. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to 'find the accountant,' Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Realizing more extreme measures are necessary, Wolff recruits his estranged and highly lethal brother, Brax (Bernthal), to help. In partnership with U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), they uncover a deadly conspiracy, becoming targets of a ruthless network of killers who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried. Daniella Pineda, Allison Robertson, and J.K. Simmons also star in the film, penned by Bill Dubuque, with Affleck, Lynette Howell Taylor, and Mark Williams producing. Grossing $155M worldwide in its 2016 theatrical release before going on to become the most-rented digital film of the subsequent year, the first Accountant introduced Affleck as a highly skilled CPA with autism who leads a double life as a forensic accountant for criminal organizations. Affleck and Matt Damon's Artists Equity served as the studio for the sequel and set the pic up at Amazon MGM after acquiring sequel rights from Warner Bros. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store