Best Arab Film Awards Jury
Wael Abu Mansour BIO
Wael Abu Mansour is a Saudi writer and director. Since 2021, he has been the head of Telfaz11 Studios, a Saudi Arabia and the UAE based company specializing in locally-relevant entertainment content from the Middle East. His feature film Saifi (2024) was selected for the official competition of the 4th edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival.
Wael began his filmmaking career in 2012, writing, directing, and producing several films, including his debut feature Theme Park (2020) and the feature documentary Mzamarji (2015).
He also worked in journalism for 15 years, progressing from reporter to managing editor at major media outlets such as the international daily Asharq Al-Awsat and Saudi newspaper Al-Watan, while contributing to Al-Bilad newspaper and collaborating with the global news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Rula Nasser BIO
An experienced Jordanian producer, Rula Nasser began her career working on BBC and Discovery Channel projects in the Middle East before joining the Royal Film Commission in 2005. In 2011, she founded The Imaginarium Films, a production company dedicated to nurturing local talent.
Her recent films include The Alleys which was screened at the Locarno Film Festival 2021, Holy Spider (2022) by Ali Abbasi, and Rebel (2022) by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. Her latest film, Inshallah a Boy which was directed by Amjad Al Rasheed, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and was nominated for the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
Karim El Shenawy BIO
Karim El Shenawy is a distinguished Egyptian director whose work spans film and television. He made his feature debut with Gunshot (2018) and went on to direct acclaimed series including Qabeel, Khali Balak Men Zizi, and El Harsha El Sabaa. His latest critically acclaimed Ramadan series Lam Shamseya (Elephant in the Room, 2025) drew wide praise for its social impact, topped viewing charts, and earned multiple awards.
Through Blueprint, the production company he co-founded, Karim brought to life his latest feature film Daye (The Tale of Daye’s Family, 2024), which opened the Red Sea International Film Festival and was selected for “Berlinale Generation” at the Berlinale International Film Festival. Most recently, he directed Al Sada Al Afadel (The Gentlemen, 2025), a dark comedy which was released in cinemas in October. His work continues to reflect a commitment to meaningful storytelling and socially resonant themes.