Latest news with #MaithaAlawadi
CairoScene
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Emirati Filmmaker Maitha Alawadi to Speak at SXSW Panel in Texas
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.
Broadcast Pro
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Paramount Hotel Dubai champions next-gen of filmmakers at Black Sheep Film Festival
With 410 attendees, panel discussions and industry leaders in the room, the event was a celebration of creativity, networking and dreams, aligning with the hotel's We Create Drama vision. As anticipation builds for We Create Drama, Paramount Hotel Dubai's upcoming film festival set to launch this March, the hotel has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering emerging filmmaking talent. In partnership with SAE University College, it supported the Black Sheep Film Festival, an annual event spotlighting the exceptional work of SAE's student filmmakers. With 410 attendees and a host of industry leaders, The Black Sheep Film Festival served as a dynamic platform for young filmmakers to showcase their work, engage with professionals and gain valuable insights into the cinematic world. A key highlight of the festival was an engaging panel discussion featuring three prominent Emirati filmmakers—Nayla Al Khaja, Maitha Alawadi and Nawaf Al Janhi—moderated by Razan Takash, Head of Film at SAE and Festival Director. Their discussion offered invaluable perspectives that resonated with both aspiring and established creatives. The festival also welcomed industry heavyweights such as The Last Mercenary producer Jean-Charles Levy, Blink Studios Co-Owner Nathalie Habib and Goat Life star Rik Aby. Additionally, esteemed media representatives, including Valérie Fouques from the French Embassy and Tara from the US State Department (Abu Dhabi), were in attendance. To further support rising talent, Advanced Media sponsored prizes for outstanding filmmakers, helping them refine their craft and pursue their cinematic ambitions. Beyond the glamour, The Black Sheep Film Festival plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of storytellers. This aligns with Paramount Hotel Dubai's broader vision for We Create Drama, which aims to celebrate emerging talent while providing a launchpad for new and startup filmmakers to showcase their scripts, short films, and creative projects.
Broadcast Pro
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Filmmakers highlight power of collaboration at Xposure 2025 panel
At the International Photography Festival in Sharjah, they discussed their experiences in screenplay interpretation, guiding actors and creative collaboration. A panel of award-winning filmmakers emphasised the importance of collaboration in every aspect of filmmaking— from screenplay selection to casting and editing—during a discussion titled Directing with Purpose: Shaping the Vision at the ninth annual International Photography Festival, Xposure 2025, in Aljada, Sharjah. Moderated by American film producer Franklin Leonard, the panel featured Emirati filmmaker Maitha Alawadi, American writer-actor Travon Free and Indian filmmaker Neel Kumar. The discussion explored the creative process, artistic integrity and the challenges of balancing vision with production demands. Maitha Alawadi, an Emirati filmmaker, who is known for her bold, diverse, and culturally authentic storytelling, noted: 'Every person in the film team is family and every thought they put forward, including kids actors, is valid. Sometimes they might surprise you with an idea and sometimes you should step back and ask what is best for the project.' She said she was a big fan of animation and fantasy works, and found the biggest thrill in finding the right actors for her projects. 'The people I cast were the perfect blend and helped to convey my reality. My vision is to develop my own methodology and voice to make Emirati culture relatable worldwide. I am into the detailed aspect of things, and it is a collaborative effort that enhances the visual,' she added. According to her, the visualisation changed when she saw the actual location, and AI also helped to generate how her characters developed. Travon Free, writer, actor and comedian known for his presence in the entertainment industry, said he always had a thing for the visual and it helped his transition to film direction and writing. 'I try to find something interesting visually so that it feels fresh. I watch a lot of movies in order to understand different directors. The more movies I watch, the better it helps to set the palette; things crystallise and you see the camera clearly. It is also figuring out where the camera doesn't go,' stated Free. He said he was extremely collaborative and followed a democratic policy in decision-making where even the interns had a say. Neel Kumar, a Dubai-based filmmaker, writer and storyteller, also followed a similar collaboration policy and took the ego out of his decisions. He added: 'When you have a powerful idea, the dots fit in. Every good director has good psychology. If there is enough for me to dig into an idea, there is enough for the actors.' Quoting Michelangelo's take on the sculpting of David, where the marble that didn't fit chipped away to create the sculpture, Neel noted that the characters developed naturally in his actors' hands. Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure 2025 runs until February 26.
