Latest news with #ArabFilm
The National
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Mounia Akl directing Netflix's House of Guinness and other Arab filmmakers behind popular series
While Arab film has reached new heights in recent years, gaining attention at festivals and during award season, major Arab film directors are increasingly bringing their talents to the small screen as well. From popular shows such as Netflix's Palestinian dramedy Mo to broad comedies such as Only Murders in the Building, filmmakers from the Middle East are thriving no matter the subject matter, exemplifying the creative depth the region has to offer. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight's new show, House of Guinness, coming to Netflix in September, is the latest to have an Arab filmmaker behind the camera. Here are several award-winning filmmakers who have found success in the world of television. Mounia Akl Lebanese filmmaker Mounia Akl will be directing three episodes of the upcoming Netflix series House of Guinness. Created by Steven Knight, who is set to write the next James Bond film, it follows the children of brewery mogul Sir Benjamin Guinness and their struggle for control of their father's fortune. Akl previously worked on the British television shows B oiling Point and The Responder, both of which were nominated for Bafta awards. Prior to her move to television, Akl directed Costa Brava, Lebanon in 2021, which debuted at the Venice Film Festival. The film went on to screen at multiple international festivals, including Toronto and London. In 2016, Akl's short film Submarine was in consideration for the Cinefondation Award at the Cannes Film Festival. The 21-minute short film was a commentary on the garbage crisis in Lebanon. Mohamed Diab The Egyptian filmmaker received recognition for his work on the Marvel television series Moon Knight, which is primarily set in Egypt. That meant Diab was a great choice for the show which stars Oscar Isaac, Ethan Hawke and May Calamawy. His directorial career began with the 2010 drama Cairo 6,7,8. The film is about three women who navigate everyday life in the Egyptian capital. In 2016, he directed Clash, a movie set primarily inside a police bus transporting arrested protesters. Clash screened at Cannes Film Festival and competed at the London Film Festival. Diab has also written for Egyptian television shows, including Tayea and Renegades in 2018. Amr Salama Since directing his debut feature film Zayy el-Nahardah in 2006, the Egyptian filmmaker has worked on several different projects, including episodes of Saturday Night Live Arabia and the Netflix original Paranormal. Salama has directed many celebrated films, the most famous of which are Sheikh Jackson in 2017 and Fireworks in 2023. He also directed three episodes of the comedy crime series Bimbo, starring Ahmed Malek and Wegz. Karim El-Shinnawi The Egyptian filmmaker's latest move, The Tale of Daye's Family, is screening at this year's Berlin Film Festival. The film constitutes a return to the big screen for El-Shinnawi, who has been directing television shows since 2018. El-Shinnawi has worked on Egyptian shows such as Take Care of Zizi in 2021 and Seventh Year Itch in 2023. He also directed episodes of the Kuwaiti Netflix original show The Exchange, which returns this year for a second season. Cherien Dabis The Palestinian-American filmmaker and actress directed All That's Left of You, which screened at this year's Sundance Film Festival. She can also be seen in the second season of the Netflix hit series Mo, playing the sister of the titular main character played by comedian Mo Amer. Dabis has directed several episodes of hit American shows such as Ozark and Only Murders in the Building. She also directed six episodes of the Arab-American comedy series Ramy. Her first feature film was Amreeka, in 2009, about a Palestinian immigrant mother and her son who relocate to Illinois. Solvan Naim The Algerian-American director has an extensive career in directing television shows, including episodes on Power, Snowfall and The Blacklist. More recently, he directed 12 episodes of the Netflix show Mo. Annemarie Jacir The Palestinian filmmaker's first feature film was Salt of This Sea in 2008. It follows a woman who needs to return to her ancestral home in Haifa to retrieve her grandfather's savings. In 2016, she directed The Rendezvous, then followed it up with her most famous film, Wajib. Starring Mohammad Bakri and Saleh Bakri, Wajib screened at multiple international film festivals, receiving acclaim and recognition from juries and audiences alike. In 2022, Jacir directed an episode in the third season of Ramy. Majid Al Ansari The Emirati filmmaker rose to prominence with his feature film debut Zinzana, starring Ali Suliman and Saleh Bakri. Since then, Al Ansari has directed three episodes of the Netflix horror original Paranormal alongside Amr Salama. In 2023, Al Ansari directed an episode of the Emirati anthology horror series Kaboos. He also served as a producer on the Saudi supernatural romantic film Hwjn. Ali Selim The Egyptian-American director has one feature film, Sweet Land, which he directed, wrote and produced. More known for his television work, Selim has directed episodes of hit shows such as Criminal Minds, The Looming Tower, Manhunt and Marvel's Secret Invasion. Haifaa Al Mansour Working on short films between 1997 and 2001, the Saudi filmmaker got her big break with Wadjda in 2012. The film was nominated for Best Film Not in the English Language at the Baftas and won Best Film at the Tromso International Film Festival. Al Mansour 's second feature film was Mary Shelly, a biographical about the writer of Frankenstein. Since then, Al Mansour has directed episodes of many hit television shows including Archive 81, Mayfair Witches, Bosch: Legacy and Fear the Walking Dead.
Arab News
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Toronto Arab Film Festival showcases diverse selection this June
DUBAI: The Toronto Arab Film Festival returns for its sixth annual edition with a diverse lineup from June 20 to 29. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ 'This year, we are screening over 50 films — both features and shorts — which is our largest number to date … it's fulfilling to watch the development of the Canadian-Arab film industry in real time,' Rolla Tahir, a Sudanese filmmaker and co-founder of TAF, said. A post shared by Toronto Arab Film (@torontoarabfilm) This year's program reflects the growing diversity and creative evolution of Arab cinema, with some well-known filmmakers participating. 'We're seeing a notable rise in genre films, especially horror and sci-fi. For example, there's a horror film from Tunisia and a short program dedicated entirely to sci-fi and horror,' Tahir said. Participants this year include Lebanese filmmaker Mira Shabib with her film 'Arze'' and 'Back to Alexandria' by Tamer Ruggli starring Lebanese actress Nadine Labaki. TAF has also become a valuable platform for professional development, offering networking opportunities for both emerging and established talent. 'This year, we're introducing an informal industry meet-and-greet — a casual networking event with no structured pitches,' Tahir explained. A post shared by WIFT+ Toronto (@ The event is designed to create a relaxed environment where Arab filmmakers can connect with industry professionals, ask candid questions, and introduce their projects without the pressure of formal presentations. The festival's mission may seem simple — to raise awareness of Arab cinema among Canadian audiences — but achieving that impact requires a deliberate strategy. It is one that Tahir and her co-founders have refined over the years. 'Each year, we collaborate with other festivals to co-present films and expand outreach beyond Arab audiences,' she said. For Tahir, the appeal of Arab cinema to non-Arab audiences comes naturally, thanks to the enduring quality and resilience of the work itself. 'What stands out is perseverance. Regardless of what's happening in our countries or personal lives, Arab filmmakers continue telling their stories.' It is that very perseverance — expressed through everything from harrowing documentaries to satirical comedies — that gives Arab filmmakers their distinct voice. 'I want people to know we're still making films — and that we're making different, bold, and innovative ones,' Tahir said.
Arab News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
6 Arab film to screen at Cannes Film Festival
6 Arab film to screen at Cannes Film Festival From dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, here are six films from the region to screen at the Cannes Film Festival this year. 'Once Upon a Time in Gaza' The film, by Gaza-born twins Tarzan and Arab Nasser, is set in 2007 and follows Yahya, a student, and his unexpected friendship with Ousama, a warm-hearted dealer, during the rise of Hamas. 'Eagles of the Republic' Created by Swedish Egyptian director Tarik Saleh, the film centers on a fictional Egyptian actor whose reputation collapses in the public eye. 'La Petite Derniere' French Tunisian Algerian filmmaker Hafsia Herzi's movie follows a young Algerian immigrant in France as she navigates identity, tradition and self-discovery after joining an elite preparatory school. 'Aisha Can't Fly Away' The movie, by Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa, centers on a Somali caregiver in Cairo, exploring the tensions and complexities in the city's African migrant communities. 'Promised Sky' French Tunisian director Erige Sehiri's film follows Marie, a 40-year-old Ivorian pastor in Tunisia, during rising tensions and violence against sub-Saharan migrants.
