The festival is scheduled to take place from February 15 to 24, 2024.
In a significant recognition of Arab talent, two accomplished filmmakers, Amjad Abu Alala and Abbas Fahdel, have been appointed as jury members for distinct competitions at the upcoming 74th Berlin International Film Festival.
Amjad Abu Alala, a prominent Sudanese film director, screenwriter, and producer residing in the United Arab Emirates, has been selected as a jury member for the Generation International Competition. Abu Alala gained international acclaim with his debut feature film You Will Die at Twenty in 2019, marking the first-ever submission from Sudan for the Academy Awards in the Best International Film category. His extensive career includes studies in media and communication science at Emirates University, followed by the creation of documentaries for various Arab and Western TV stations. Additionally, as a producer, Abu Alala founded a creative laboratory in collaboration with the Doha Film Institute, producing five short films.
Iraqi director and screenwriter Abbas Fahdel, known for his impactful work such as Homeland: Iraq Year Zero (2015) and Dawn of the World (2008), has been chosen as a jury member for the Documentary Competition. Fahdel, a Sorbonne graduate with mentors like Jean Rouch, Eric Rohmer, and Serge Daney, began his career in 2002 after starting out as a film critic. His novel Ce que le temps fait à la pierre is set to be published in April 2024.
The 2024 Berlinale Documentary Award will feature nominations from various sections, including Competition, Berlinale Special, Encounters, Panorama, Forum, and Generation. The winning film’s prize money will be shared by the director and the producer.
This recognition at the Berlin International Film Festival underscores the significant contributions of Arab filmmakers on the global cinematic stage, further enhancing the diversity and richness of storytelling from the region.