Advisory Board
Nadim Sawalha
The Actor Nadim Sawalha was born in Jordan in 1935. After finishing his drama studies in England, Nadim joined the BBC Arabic Service as a radio programmes producer. Since then he has worked extensively on the London Stage, TV and in international films. Nadim’s recent work includes CAPTAIN ABU RAED, which won “The Audience Award” at The Sundance Festival, and most recently, as author, the play REST UPON THE WIND (Tristan Bates) which focuses on the life of Khalil Gibran. Nadim has starred in numerous theatre productions and appeared in films such as WEST IS WEST, CLEOPATRA, ARABIAN KNIGHTS, THE AVENGERS, SYRIANA, NATIVITY, and WHATEVER LOLA WANTS.
Mohamed Khan
Egyptian Film Director Mohamed Khan was born in Cairo in 1942. He studied at The London School of Film Technique (now known as The London Int. Film School) in 1962-63. Working in the script Dept. General Egyptian Film Company 1963, and moving onto become an Asst. Director in Beirut in 1964. Mohamed has also written and edited two books on cinema. Making his first film in 1972 CHAMS’S BLOW won Mohamed his first award at the Egyptian Film Society Festival (1979). Mohamed Khan’s numerous films include such titles as, STREETPLAYER (Best Direction – Egyptian Film Society 1985), YOUSEF & ZEINAB, RETURN OF A CITIZEN, DAYS OF SADAT and the two multi-award winning films DOWNTOWN GIRLS and IN THE HELIOPOLIS FLAT among others.
Nabil Elouahabi
The Actor Nabil Elouahabi was born in London in 1975 and is of Moroccan decent, his screen credits include LAW AND ORDER: UK, ALI G INDAHOUSE and ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES. A regular role on EASTENDERS and series regular in GENERATION KILL has made Nabil one of the most recognisable faces on British television. Nabil has starred in numerous theatre productions such as THE GREAT GAME and CROSSING JERUSELUM, NIGHT AND DAY and BALTI KINGS SHAHBAB. On film, Nabil has featured in such works as CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR, THE GREATEST JOURNEY, ASYLUM, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS, CODE 46 and IN THIS WORLD. Most recently Nabil has starred in the play REST UPON THE WIND, a story about the life and times of Khalil Gibran.
Sally El Hosaini
Sally El Hosaini was born in Wales and raised in Cairo. She is an Egyptian/ Welsh screenwriter & film director. Her recent debut feature film, London set MY BROTHER THE DEVIL, was officially selected for competition at Sundance Film Festival 2012 where it won Best Cinematography (World Dramatic). It has also been officially selected for Berlinale 2012. Sally was one of Screen International’s UK Stars of Tomorrow 2009. Her short, THE FIFTH BOWL, won a regional BAFTA. Prior to writing and directing she script edited and was the specialist researcher on HBO Films/ BBC Drama mini- series HOUSE OF SADDAM. Before that she was a production coordinator in features and worked on several Middle East documentaries.
Mariam Al Sarkal
Mariam AlSarkal was born in the United Arab Emirates in 1983. She started working at Dubai Television part of Dubai media incorporated at the early age of 18. She started as an Assistant Director and in less than 2 years was given the opportunity to direct her own 30min weekly program called CARZ. She continued working as a Producer/Director on several shows including FREEJ, the 1st Middle East 3D cartoon. In addition to that, she was part of the committee of Sheikh Majod Media Youth Award. Mariam decided to continue her education and enrolled in a Master’s degree at the London Film School. She hopes to continue working in the field of media and is focused on making films that express her feelings, culture and her thoughts on all aspects of life.
