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Red Sea 360°

Red Sea 360° is a diverse and vibrant platform offering pivotal conversations and unparalleled insights into the present and future of the Arab, African and Asian film industries, including their far-reaching impact on the global entertainment landscape. This four-day program of thrilling talks will bring together some of the most influential and thought-provoking voices in the film and TV industry, from the region and internationally.  

Up to 15 inspiring sessions will take place, spanning five overarching themes: talent and creativity; production and distribution; financing and investment; innovation and technology; and mentorship and support.  

As part of the Red Sea Souk, Red Sea 360° is committed to empowering industry aspirations and fostering the creation of content that is both locally resonant and globally relevant, ultimately charting a blueprint for the future of the industry. 

Dates 

December 2nd – 5th 2023  

Location 

Souk Forum Room – Ritz Carlton Jeddah – Saudi Arabia 

Access 

Open to all Red Sea International Film Festival badge holders 

  • DECEMBER 2nd, 2023

  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

    The Writer’s Journey: Navigating Scripts for Film, TV & Future Storytelling Formats

    In this panel we are joined by a diverse group of Sales and Distribution Executives from around the world. We will be hearing their perspectives on how to stay current in this evolving Sales and Distribution landscape including: what new structures are appearing that are getting movies made; how to keep your film distribution strategy competitive in the current Arab and international market and the massive presence of streaming platforms; how to address the challenge of getting people back into theaters; and what content is drawing the most funding in both the independent and studio markets?

    Panelists

    SHERI ELWOOD | Executive Producer, Writer, Director - Elwood Ink (Canada, USA)

    Sheri Elwood’s brand of autobiographical storytelling has led her to writing and producing the hit series ("Lucifer" - Netflix / Fox / Warner Bros.) (2016 – 2021), sell an inordinate amount of lemons ("Call Me Fitz" - HBO Canada) (2010 – 2013) and immortalize her wildly dysfunctional family ("Moonshine" - CW/ CBC) (2021). She is currently adapting the hit series "Keeping Faith" (2017 – 2021) for BBC America and Lionsgate in addition to developing with studio partners Blink49. Her next batch of shows include monsters, metal detectors and tearing down the medical industrial complex.

    MOHAMED HASSAN | Writer, Journalist (Egypt, New Zealand)

    Mohamed Hassan is an award-winning writer, journalist and poet from Cairo and Auckland. He is the creator and showrunner for the Sky Originals series ''Miles From Nowhere'' which premieres at the RSIFF this year. His bestselling essay collection "How to be a Bad Muslim" was published by Penguin Random House in 2022, and his poems have been shared widely online and are taught in hundreds of schools.

    AHMED SHARKAWI | Director of Arab Content Development - Netflix EMEA

    Ahmed is the Director of Arabic Content Development at Netflix. With a 25 year-experience, Ahmed has overseen over 500 hours of scripted drama. Part of the founding team for Sony Pictures Television (SPT) in the Middle East, Ahmed also headed the scripted development division at SPT Arabia. He now builds series from script to screen, leading teams across the creative and business elements of the process.

    KARIM ZREIK | Executive Producer & President - Cedar Tree Productions (USA)

    Karim Zreik is the founder and President of Cedar Tree Productions, currently under an exclusive overall deal with Amazon Studios. Karim works with Amazon Studios to develop film, television and animation projects. Prior to founding Cedar Tree Productions, Zreik was the Head of Television for Lord Miller Productions from 2020 to 2022. Before joining Lord Miller, Karim served as Sr. Vice President, Original Programming & Production at Marvel TV Studios where he oversaw all live-action and animated television. Established in 2014, Marvel Television produced over 400 hours of programming, including Peabody Award Winning "Marvel's Jessica Jones" (2015-2019) and Emmy Award Winning "Marvel's Luke Cage” (2016-2018).

    Moderated by

    KARIM SAFIEDDINE | Co-Founder, CEO & Executive Producer - Cinemoz (Lebanon, France)

    Karim Safieddine is the founder and CEO of Cinemoz.com. Karim founded Cinemoz following a career in Film & TV production and distribution, mainly spent between Magnolia Pictures (NYC) and The Weinstein Company (NYC), as an international sales agent, negotiating premium content licensing for the EMEA and digital platforms. He is also the founder of Red Room Productions, a Paris based company dedicated to trans-media content production and distribution of Digital formats developed on web and mobile trends in European markets. Karim holds a Master’s Degree in International Law from the Sorbonne University in Paris, along with a Master’s Degree in Film Business and Management from the City University of London, during which he wrote a thesis on digital content and media distribution in MENA territories.

    12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

    Redefining the Theatrical Experience in the Post-Streaming Era

    With the rise of streaming platforms and the recent global industry challenges, theaters continue to struggle worldwide to draw audiences. This panel tackles the market’s realities – with a particular focus on the Arab world and KSA – where the theatrical experience is regularly being reshaped to secure a more lasting model. Use cases include how the IMAX technology has revolutionized the experience for movie-goers, how streaming and theatrical can be complementary endeavors to support independent filmmaking, or how the programming of events in theaters has set the tone and trend to increase attendance. On the distribution front, the session will discuss whether the market’s segmentation will kick-start the birth of creative segmentation to cater to different audiences. Ultimately, it will delve into the various trends and challenges filmmakers face when having to choose between cinema releases or releasing their work on digital streaming platforms, and how this affects the current distribution chronology in a film’s lifespan.

    Panelists

    GIOVANNI DOLCI | Global Chief Sales Officer – IMAX

    Giovanni Dolci joined IMAX Corporation in October 2012 and serves as Global Chief Sales Officer since 2021. Before that, Giovanni held various positions at IMAX including Senior Vice President, Theatre Development and Managing Director, Europe and Africa. Prior to IMAX, he was Director of Commercial Operations at Arts Alliance Media. Giovanni also worked in film financing, overseeing projects in New Zealand, Italy and the UK. Giovanni has a degree in Economics and Management from Bocconi University in Milan and an MSc in Management from Cass Business School in London. He is a former Junior Fellow of the AspenInstitute in Italy.

    EUGENE KIM | Content Director - Plus M Entertainment (South Korea)

    Eugene Kim is a Content Director of Plus M Entertainment, a major film studio in South Korea. With over 10 years’ experience specializing in both local and international distribution as well as production at Showbox, one of Korea’s leading contents studios, she has been in charge of financing several films including "Hunt" (2022) and "Hopeless" (2023), which were each invited to Midnight Screening and Un Certain Regard at Cannes Film Festival in 2022 and 2023. She has also developed her expertise in both film and series production, and her filmography spans titles such as "Urban Myths" (2022), "My SHINee World" (2023) and the series "I Have Not Done My Best" (2022).

    LUKE VETERE | Managing Director – Studio Distribution - Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment (Middle East)

    Luke Vetere is Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Distribution, the largest theatrical distributor in the region, and Licensee for Warner Brothers and Universal in the Middle East. Luke is a seasoned executive with 25 years of experience in Exhibition and Distribution. Luke was Marketing & Sales Director (UK & Ireland) for Odeon Cinemas and sat on the Boards of the UK Cinema Exhibitor Association and Digital Cinema Media. Luke was also Commercial Director (EMEA) for 20th Century Fox in London. In 2017, Luke moved to Dubai, to establish Majid Al Futtaim Distribution as the Licensee for 20th Century Fox in the GCC. Majid Al Futtaim Distribution is part of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, a leading exhibitor, distributor and content producer in the Middle East.

    ALEX WALTON | Co-Head & Partner – WME Independent (UK)

    Alex Walton co-leads WME Independent, a division of William Morris Endeavor that handles domestic and international film packaging, film financing consulting services and sales across multiple platforms, with offices in Los Angeles and London. Walton has recently arranged financing and managed sales for films including Christy Hall’s upcoming directorial debut, “Daddio” (2023), starring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn, Will Oldroyd’s “Eileen” (2023), starring Anne Hathaway and adapted for the screen by Ottessa Moshfegh and Luke Goebel, John Carney’s “Flora and Son” (2023), starring Eve Hewson and Jack Reynor, Ruben Ostlund’s Palme d’Or winner and Oscar nominated feature “Triangle of Sadness” (2022), and Dev Patel’s directorial debut “Monkey Man” (2022), which Patel also stars in.

    Moderated by

    NICK VIVARELLI | Italy & Middle East Correspondent – Variety

    Niccolò (Nick) Vivarelli is a journalist, director and author who grew up in Italy and the U.S., where he attended NYU. A regular on the international film festival circuit, he is Variety’s Italy and Middle East correspondent, based in Rome. He’s worked for several other media outlets, including The Associated Press and Newsweek. His first foray into filmmaking, "Life As a B-Movie: Piero Vivarelli" (2019), co-directed with Fabrizio Laurenti, launched from the Venice Film Festival and won the Nastro d’Argento (Silver Ribbon) 2020 awarded by Italy’s film critics for best doc in cinema. He is the author of "Slalom" (2013), a thriller set in a rehab community in Tuscany.

    02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

    Women Charting the Course of Film & TV: Crafting Unconventional Narratives

    Leading women showrunners, directors and producers will take us through their personal filmmaking journeys, from crafting authentic, nuanced, and unapologetic female-centric narratives, to bringing forward stories that were long considered taboo. How are they currently redefining women’s portrayal on-screen and subsequently in real life? How do they develop relatable characters and compelling stories? And what opportunities and challenges do they face off-screen when spearheading a project? The discussion will also address ways to support and nurture female talents without perpetuating gender polarization, offering insights from both Eastern and Western contexts.

    Panelists

    NORA ABOUSHOUSHA | Screenwriter & CEO - Contentzilla Production House (KSA)

    Nora is a filmmaker known for exploring human relationships through drama and comedy, focusing on themes like women, class, love, and societal meaning. Her recent work includes the Netflix series "Jaiba Al Eid" (2023), where she served as the creator, head writer, and executive producer, depicting the journey of a single mother's marriage to a British man of Pakistani origin. Nora's short film script "Ya Hathi Fiiki" won support from the Saudi Film Commission and featured in several film festivals. She also crafted series for Shahid platform, including "The Case" and "Confessions." Nora began her career as a writer for documentaries and TV programs, showcased on Arab platforms like Khawatir, Seen, and Film Ehsan. Born in Jeddah, she grew up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Hastings, Britain, and now owns a production company in Saudi Arabia.

    SHERI ELWOOD | Executive Producer, Writer, Director - Elwood Ink (Canada, USA)

    Sheri Elwood’s brand of autobiographical storytelling has led her to writing and producing the hit series ("Lucifer" - Netflix / Fox / Warner Bros.) (2016 – 2021), sell an inordinate amount of lemons ("Call Me Fitz" - HBO Canada) (2010 – 2013) and immortalize her wildly dysfunctional family ("Moonshine" - CW/ CBC) (2021). She is currently adapting the hit series "Keeping Faith" (2017 – 2021) for BBC America and Lionsgate in addition to developing with studio partners Blink49. Her next batch of shows include monsters, metal detectors and tearing down the medical industrial complex.

    YVONNE ISIMEME IBAZEBO | Producer - Turnover Films (UK)

    Yvonne Isimeme Ibazebo is known for producing acclaimed films and TV shows with an eye for compelling stories. From Ngozi Onwurah’s “Shoot The Messenger” (2016) starring David Oyelowo and Daniel Kaluuya; to “Top Boy” (2011-2013), the Netflix series with Drake as Executive Producer. Through Turnover Films Yvonne is developing a variety of projects including a feature film set in Burkina Faso with DNA/Film4/MGM and a TV series with Argo/BBC set in Nigeria. Completed projects include “Two Single Beds” (2020), a short written and starring Daniel Kaluuya for Film 4; “A Story of Bones” (2022), best documentary nominee at Tribeca; and “Rye Lane” (2023) critically acclaimed feature which premiered at Sundance.

    Moderated by

    JULIETTE MÉNAGER | International Casting Director & President - Joule Studio (France)

    Juliette Ménager has provided artists for over a thousand productions. Her eclecticism, vision and taste for innovation means she is constantly on the creative cutting edge. In 1994, she created Joule Studio Casting, where today she still plays a significant part in finding the best talent. Collaborations with directors like Alejandro Innaritù, Darren Star, Steven Spielberg and Spike Lee, allowed Juliette's studio to become 'the casting rendez-vous' in Paris. In 2019, with the casting team, she won an Artios Award for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" (2017). She is a member of the CSA, ICDN and ARDA and an Academy Member since 2022.

    03:30 PM – 04:30 PM

    Film Franchise & IP in Contemporary Cinema: Impact on Talent, Industry and Culture

    In an ever-growing IP-driven ecosystem, franchise-dominated models continue to strive and shape the commercial and independent film industry. Whether they’re related films in succession sharing the same fictional universe, marketed as a movie series or conceived as a multiple-film work, franchises hold historical significance and exert undeniable influence on audiences, filmmakers, and the industry. Yet, the ongoing debate questions whether franchises enhance or alter cinema as an art form, and if they reflect endless or limited storytelling capacity. This session delves into the multifaceted world of film franchises as a cinematic phenomenon – especially in KSA – exploring the origin and growth of iconic titles; the creative challenges and opportunities in serialized storytelling; the role of technology in shaping franchise development; the financial motivations driving this craze; and the complex interplay between intellectual property, licensing, and creative development. The discussion also addresses the delicate balance of maintaining brand identity while fostering innovation within established universes. Additionally, it will explore the profound influence of franchises on audience expectations, examining how fan engagement contributes to ongoing success and sustainability, elevating characters as brands yet scrambling the status of the movie star. Speakers will share their respective experience in major IPs, from ‘’The Equalizer’’ and ‘’Star Wars’’ to the Warner Bros. slate of tentpole titles, offering perspectives on the artistic and commercial dimensions of franchises, and challenging the perceived dichotomy between art and commerce. Ultimately, the session will contemplate the future of film franchises: will we ever witness the emergence of an Arab Batman or Superman, further pushing the boundaries and possibilities of these iconic characters in a global context?

    Panelists

    FAISAL BALTYUOR | Founder & CEO – CineWaves Films (KSA)

    Baltyuor has been a Saudi film producer and director since 2004. He is the former CEO of the Saudi Film Council and led film industry development initiatives at the Ministry of Culture. Currently the CEO of Muvi Studios, he also serves as a board member at Manga Production by Misk Foundation. Additionally, he founded one of the fastest-growing distribution companies in Saudi Arabia, CineWaves Films, which boasts the largest Saudi film library. CineWaves Films has recently become a preferred partner aggregator for Netflix in the MENA region. Faisal worked to establish strong relations and initiate education programs with the best film schools in the US, France, Germany, and the UK, supporting over 3000 Saudi talents. Faisal holds a master's degree in digital media from the University of Newcastle in Australia. He worked at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, where he headed Ithra Cinema and film initiatives, overseeing local and international productions, film events, and training programs. Faisal is a producer and executive producer of more than 40 feature and short films, some of which were part of the first wave of Saudi films acquired by Netflix, and others were selected in the official competitions of A-list film festivals such as the Venice International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and London International Film Festival.

    TARAK BEN AMMAR | President - Eagle Pictures (Tunisia, France)

    Tarak Ben Ammar was born in 1949 in Tunisia. After graduating from Georgetown University, he forged a successful career as a film producer. He created the film industry in Tunisia by building the first film studios and bringing there the production of movies such as Lucas "Star Wars" and Spielberg "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981). He has been a board member of companies such as Mediaset, Mediobanca, Telecom Italia and Vivendi. He controls Eagle Pictures, Italy’s number one independent film distribution and production company. In 2019, Ben Ammar formed a US venture called Spyglass Media Group, with Gary Barber and Lantern Entertainment. In February 2022, He acquired the Studios de Paris, the largest movie studio in Paris. Ben Ammar enlarged its strategic alliance with Sony Pictures and Paramount Pictures by becoming their exclusive distributor in Italy through Eagle Pictures and participating in the production of movies like "Equalizer 3" (Sony) (2023) with Denzel Washington, on its way to reach $200 million as a worldwide box office success. In 2023 Ben Ammar has announced the building of a new film studio in Rome.

    VALÉRIE GARCIA | President – Gabman (France)

    Valérie has over two decades of experience producing seminal work in features, series, and documentaries in France and around the globe. Her distinctive works as a producer include French box office remake “Perfect Strangers” (2016), “Two is a Family” (2016) starring Omar Sy, “La Famille Bélier” (2014) remade into the Academy Award-winning feature “Coda” (2021). Beyond productions, she served the industry successfully as leading distributor for some of the most renowned titles across French territories including “Moonlight” (2016), “Midnight in Paris” (2011), and “12 Years a Slave” (2013). Under GABMAN, her new company fully dedicated to production, she approaches bringing new talents to such heights from Europe, MENA region and US, always focusing on offering personal stories that carry a global appeal. Be it a comedy or drama, a mainstream or an award driven, her stories highlight the essence of what it is to be human.

    GREG SILVERMAN | Founder & CEO – Stampede Ventures (USA)

    Film executive, producer, and tech investor Greg Silverman is the chief executive officer and founder of global media company Stampede Ventures, which creates and owns new IP across film, television, and digital with an eye toward franchise-first content and building the next generation of blockbusters. Prior to founding Stampede, Greg served as President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production at Warner Bros. Pictures. During his tenure, he spearheaded such box office hits as “The Hangover” (2009), “The Dark Knight” (2008), “Gravity” (2013), “Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice” (2016), “Suicide Squad” (2016), “The Lego Movie” (2014), “Sully” (2016), “The Accountant” (2016), “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015), “Wonder Woman” (2017), “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018) , “The Joker” (2019), “Inception” (2010), “300” (2006), “American Sniper” (2014), “A Star Is Born” (2018), Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” (2017), and Steven Spielberg’s “Ready Player One” (2018). His career spans more than 125 movies and over 37 billion dollars in worldwide box office.

    Moderated by

    MELANIE GOODFELLOW | Senior International Film Correspondent - Deadline Hollywood

    Melanie Goodfellow is a Senior International Film Correspondent at Deadline Hollywood. She has covered the international film and TV industry for close to two decades out of France, Europe and the Middle East. She is currently based in London.

  • DECEMBER 3rd, 2023

  • 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

    Peak TV’s Season Finale: Too Little or Too Many Series?

    While the Golden Age of television seems to be coming to a slow halt, this panel will explore the weight of series versus films in today’s audiovisual landscape. On a local scale; an overview of the current trends of series production will shed light on the streaming services currently present in the Arab region, and the possibilities to enhance local productions, attract more streamers, and reach global audiences through crossover series. On a global scale, it will question whether consolidation will keep the streaming world viable with the numerous services operating worldwide. 

    Panelists

    JENNIFER CHEN | Head of Studios, VP of Content - Channel Zero Studios (Canada)

    Jennifer Chen is the head of Channel Zero Studios in Canada, responsible for developing and producing international scripted series and feature films. Jennifer was previously: VP of Programming for all the Channel Zero television networks, including acquisitions and original programming; and GM of Ouat Media, a premium global distributor specializing in short-form content. Jennifer studied cinema at the Sorbonne in Paris before returning to Canada, where she worked in feature film production and produced her own films. She also holds an MBA from Northwestern and York University.

    MARK DENESSEN | Owner & Producer - Ginger Pictures & The Bigger Picture AV-agency (Netherlands, Denmark)

    Mark is the founder of The Bigger Picture AV-agency. Since 2002, he’s been collaborating with over fifty AV companies across Europe, providing expertise in development, financing, business planning and management. He is also the founder of Ginger Pictures where he co-produced over twenty films and series such as ‘’Monster Loving Maniacs’’ (2022) and Vinterberg's Oscar-winning "Another Round" (2020).

    ABDULRAHMAN KHAWJ | CEO & Executive Producer - Kawkab Pictures (KSA)

    Abdulrahman Khawj is a film and TV executive producer. He founded Cinepoetics Pictures in 2016, a Jeddah-based production company that developed and produced feature films and short animation films. Their latest short film “Saleeg” (2023) had its world premiere at the Annecy Animation Festival. Abdulrahman most recently served as a creative executive of Arabic local language film and series at Netflix. Abdulrahman is an Alumni of Film Independent, Berlinale Talents and EAVE, the European Audio-Visual Entrepreneurs producers’ workshop. Currently, Abdulrahman serves as CEO of Kawkab Pictures, a Saudi-based entertainment company specializing in financing and distribution of animation and live action films and limited series.

    DIEGO RAMÍREZ SCHREMPP | Executive Producer & Partner - Dynamo (Colombia)

    Diego’s long career in the TV industry has established him as one of the most important producers in Colombia and Latin America. He was executive producer on "Falco" (2013- 2018), winner of an International Emmy award in 2019. In addition, he is co-creator and showrunner on "Green Frontier" (2019), one of Colombia’s first original series for Netflix. He was also a production supervisor on the renowned "Narcos" (2015-2018), one of the most-watched shows in the world. In 2023, "La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta" premiered on Prime Video, a series where he also was is co- creator and showrunner. Diego is currently executive producer on "One Hundred Years of Solitude" for Netflix, the biggest show ever made in LATAM.

    Moderated by

    FRANCESCO CAPURRO | Forum Director - Series Mania (France, Italy)

    Originally from Italy, Capurro moved to France in 2005 to work in different positions for movie festivals such as Premiers Plans, Paris Cinéma, Le Festival des Arcs … He worked for three years at the Marché du Film of the Cannes Film Festival. Since 2013, he's been the head of Series Mania Forum, which has become since one of the leading professional events in Europe for the TV series Industry.

    02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

    Is the Blockchain Still an Opportunity for the Film Industry?

    Delving into Blockchain technology and its relevance to the film industry as a vehicle to enhance distribution: through use cases and success stories, this panel wishes to reflect on the potential future impact of blockchain technology, from reshaping traditional film financing models to its impact on major studios and independent filmmakers, while discussing the legal considerations on its adoption. Through disruptive discussions between early adopters and gatekeepers, the talk ultimately aims to improve the perception of Blockchain technology with better knowledge about its perks and disadvantages; but also, how it can enhance copyright protection and distribution, and curb unauthorized film piracy.

    Panelists

    ALEXANDER AMARTEI | Producer – Amartei Entertainment (Ireland)

    Alexander Amartei is an Irish entrepreneur, investor, producer, and recently won the Icon Award in Hollywood, and won the Monaco Streaming Film Festival Award alongside James Cameron and Mark Wahlberg. Alexander is the producer of "Antara" - the first major Hollywood Movie in history financed via Blockchain. He is a keynote speaker, panelist, podcast guest, and has been a governmental advisor on the future of industry as it convergences with Web 3, Tokenization and Blockchain.

    KAILIN CHE | Counsel, Head of Financing – SmithDehn & Divergent Pictures (USA, Canada)
    Kailin Che, a seasoned California entertainment, media, and tech attorney at SmithDehn LLP, serves a diverse clientele, handling complex transactions for producers, artists, and media companies in film, TV, music, and commercial ventures. She also offers strategic counsel to tech firms, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence. Her clients encompass renowned entertainment companies and top financiers, including A24 Films, Ford Foundation, Blink Films, Taylor and Dodge LLC, and Republic. Beyond her legal work, Kailin heads financing at Divergent Pictures.
    MAROUN NAJM | Co-Founder & Distribution Director – Cinemoz (Lebanon)

    Maroun Najm is the Co-Founder and Distribution Director of Cinemoz Group. With over a decade of experience in tech and the media & entertainment industry, Maroun has been focused on pushing the boundaries of digital distribution and redefining content narratives across the MENA region.

    Moderated by

    PHILIPP HOFFMANN | Founder & Managing Director – Rushlake Media (Germany)

    Philipp Hoffmann is an expert in the world of film sales and digital distribution and has set up Rushlake Media in 2013, a Multi-Platform-Network, with offices in Cologne and Nairobi. Rushlake Media runs international streaming properties such as KINO ON DEMAND, TidPix or Goethe on Demand. Philipp conducts seminars about world sales and distribution as well as international marketing at various programs and schools, such as the University of Popular Music and Music Business (Mannheim/ Germany), Internationale Filmschule (Cologne/ Germany) or the University of Applied Sciences Dortmund.

    04:00 PM – 04:45 PM

    No Bad Films. Ever - The Story of MUBI

    MUBI, the global streaming service, production company and film distributor, was founded by Efe Cakarel in 2007 and has been dedicated to elevating great cinema ever since. MUBI produces, acquires and releases visionary films, bringing them to audiences all over the world. The curated streaming service is available in over 190 countries. MUBI distributes films theatrically around the world – movies such as Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla and Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun. The company is now also producing films including Michel Franco’s Memory starring Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard, Christopher Andrews’ Bring Them Down starring Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan, Mia Hansen-Løve’s One Fine Morning starring Léa Seydoux, and Karim Aïnouz’s recently announced Rosebushpruning starring Kristen Stewart, Josh O’Connor and Elle Fanning. Join Efe Cakarel, MUBI’s Founder and CEO, at the Red Sea International Film Festival to hear about MUBI’s origins and how it all started in a cafe in Tokyo 17 years ago.

    The session is open to Souk, Festival and Discoveries badges only.

    Panelists

    EFE CAKAREL | Founder & CEO – MUBI

    Efe founded MUBI, a film streaming service, after he discovered that he couldn’t watch ‘In the Mood for Love’ in a café in Tokyo. Previously, Efe was with Goldman Sachs in London and New York, where he worked on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity investments. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, and MBA from Stanford. Efe ranked 3rd in the 1994 European Math Championship in Geneva, Switzerland. He currently serves on the Future Contemporaries Board of Serpentine Galleries in London. If he were to give you directions, you’d never get lost, and you’d arrive at least 5 minutes early.

  • DECEMBER 4th, 2023

  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

    Collaborative Ventures: Adapting International IPs; Investing in Local Productions; Connecting Local Stories to Global Audiences

    What makes a good IP? And what makes it adaptation-worthy? This panel will delve into the intricacies of adapting international IPs, remakes, and spin-offs to local contexts while weighing the opportunities and challenges in cross-cultural collaborations. Topics include the criteria for IP adaptation, cultural bridging while maintaining authenticity, best practices for successful integration, legal considerations, and assessing the potential success of adaptations. Using case studies of recent successful local remakes and beyond, the talk will also examine the various mechanisms and ways to invest in local films and reveal strategies to bridge local narratives with a global audience, focusing on how the current incentives in the Arab region can enhance the adaptation of international IPs, and what foreign productions are looking for when investing in local films.

    Panelists

    ZEINAB ABU ALSAMH | General Manager - MBC Studios & CEO - MBC Academy (KSA)

    Zeinab Abu Alsamh is the General Manager of MBC STUDIOS KSA, the in-house premium content production arm of MBC GROUP. Abu Alsamh oversees all local production and development projects at MBC STUDIOS KSA, with a particular focus on working on the development and expansion of the content production industry in the Kingdom. As the CEO of MBC ACADEMY, Abu Alsamh’s focuses on developing the next generation of content creators and media professionals via various educational and training programs that leverage on the Group’s infrastructure. Prior to joining MBC GROUP, Abu Alsamh served as Chief Commercial Officer of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA).

    ALAA FADAN | CEO & Chairman - Telfaz 11 (KSA)

    Alaa Fadan is the Co-Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Telfaz11, a leading force in the Middle East's media and entertainment landscape. He has driven Telfaz11's growth, making it a pioneer in the region's entertainment industry and a prominent voice in Saudi Arabia's pop culture. Alaa's passion for unconventional storytelling and entrepreneurship has led to innovative and impactful entertainment in the region. He was recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business alongside his co-founders. As an executive producer, he worked on three highly acclaimed films including the comedy film "Sattar" (2022), the biggest blockbuster in Saudi Arabia to date, “Raven Song” (2022), and “AlKhallat+” (2022). With his diverse background, Alaa expertly navigates the intersection of technology, business, and the creative world of entertainment. Committed to unlocking Saudi Arabia's creative economy, he propels Telfaz11 forward.

    SARA GHORRA | Director of Worldwide Sales & Distribution - AGC Studios (USA, Lebanon)

    Sara Ghorra is the Director of Worldwide Sales & Distribution of AGC Studios in Los Angeles. Prior to her move to the United States in 2021, she was based in Dubai and headed the acquisitions department of the Middle East film distribution company Empire Entertainment for 2 years. Before getting into film acquisitions, she was based in Beirut and was responsible for overseeing the marketing initiatives for all of Empire Entertainment’s slate in the Levant region, including Sony Pictures Entertainment’s titles as well as a multitude of independent movies.

    SÉBASTIEN ONOMO | Founder & Producer - Special Touch Studios (France)

    Sébastien Onomo is a French producer who has been working in the film and audiovisual industry for over ten years. He has produced numerous television films, including "Rudy Gobert" (2023) by Jonathan Bensimhon, and "African Empires" (2023), a documentary series directed by Chris Macari, Françoise Ellong-Gomez, Askia Traoré, and Josza Anjembe. Additionally, he has produced "Gang of the Caribbean" (2016) by Jean-Claude Barny, “Funan” (2018) by Denis Do, which earned the Crystal Award at the 2018 Annecy Festival, "Lost Souls of Syria" by Garance Le Caisne and Stéphane Malterre in 2022, "The Forest of Miss Tang" by Denis Do, which was selected at the 2023 Annecy Festival for a screening event, "The Siren" by Sepideh Farsi, the opening film in the Panorama selection at the 2023 Berlinale, winner of the Best Music award at its official selection at Annecy 2023, and winner of the Best Directing award at the 2023 Champs-Elysées Festival. Finally, he co-produced "Omen" (Augure) by Baloji, selected at Cannes 2023 in the Un Certain Regard category and winner of the New Voice prize.

    Moderated by

    MELANIE GOODFELLOW | Senior International Film Correspondent - Deadline Hollywood

    Melanie Goodfellow is a Senior International Film Correspondent at Deadline Hollywood. She has covered the international film and TV industry for close to two decades out of France, Europe and the Middle East. She is currently based in London.

    12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

    Cinematic Crossovers: Exploring the Global Impact of Hallyuwood, Bollywood, Nollywood, and French Cinema

    A close-up of four major pillars of the contemporary world entertainment industry, as some of the most successful and influential cinematic production models that exist today: Hallyuwood, globally popular thanks to its Korean dramas, K-pop, and crossover content; Bollywood, famous for its vibrant storytelling, iconic musical numbers, and a wide range of genres; Nollywood, known for its prolific production and unique narratives reflecting African culture, and French Cinema, known for its artistic and auteur-driven approach, with a strong presence in the global film festival circuit. What sets them apart and what brings them closer, but above all, what contributes to their success both domestically and internationally? The conversation will also tackle the potential collaborative production and co-financing opportunities with the Arab region, and how any of these models can resonate with the current production landscape in KSA. With the rise of online distribution, it will also shed light on the role of digital media in expanding the reach of cinema beyond borders.

    Panelists

    CHARLENE DELEON-JONES | Executive Director - Film Al Ula (KSA)

    With over two decades of global expertise in consulting, policy development, and executive leadership, Charlene Deleon-Jones is transformation and change strategist with a deep knowledge of the evolving film and screen sector in Saudi Arabia. Serving as the Executive Director of Film AlUla, Charlene guides the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)'s pioneering film agency. Dedicated to fostering a sustainable film ecosystem and positioning AlUla as a premier global film destination. Charlene's focus on AlUla is set against the backdrop of an expansive canvas of untouched natural beauty and ancient civilization with a fast-developing modern infrastructure. Which includes some of the most acclaimed luxury destinations in the world. Leading a diverse team of professionals, she actively nurtures cross-sector collaborations. Her responsibilities include overseeing the development of a cutting-edge film and TV studio complex and the wider media entertainment offering in AlUla.

    JÉRÉMIE KESSLER | Director of European and International Affairs – Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée (CNC) (France)

    After serving as Deputy Director of Legal and European Affairs for three years and overseeing the reform of the regulation of international platforms, Jérémie Kessler is now the Director of European and International Affairs at the National Center for Cinema and Animated Image (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée, CNC). He is responsible for managing initiatives such as the Support Aide aux cinemas du monde and the export of French works. Previously, Jérémie Kessler was a student at the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon and the National School of Administration (ENA). He then worked as a magistrate at the Administrative Court of Paris for four years. He also wrote an essay about the French actress Catherine Deneuve.

    DHEER MOMAYA | Founder & Producer - Jugaad Motion Pictures (India)

    Dheer Momaya is a National Award Winning and Oscar shortlisted producer and founder of Jugaad Motion Pictures. Their films have been screened at TIFF, Tribeca, Busan, BFI, Palm Springs and have been theatrically distributed in over 30 international territories. The latest feature, “Last Film Show” (2021) (directed by Pan Nalin) is presented globally by Orange Studio (France). It has been acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films (USA), Shochiku (Japan), Medusa (Italy), Neuevisionen (Germany), Karma Films (Spain), and theatrically distributed in 25 other territories. It is the first Indian film in 21 years to be shortlisted for the Foreign Language Oscar.

    JADESOLA OSIBERU | Filmmaker and Producer - Greoh Studios (Nigeria)

    Jadesola Osiberu is a Nigerian writer, director and producer and founder of Greoh Studios. She is known for ''Isoken' (2017), ''Sugar Rush'' (2019), ''Brotherhood'' (2022) and ''Gangs of Lagos'' (2023), the first Nigerian original film set to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. In September 2022, Osiberu's Greoh Studios signed a three-year deal with Amazon to develop and produce original scripted TV series and feature films. Jadesola is a graduate of Berlinale's Talent Program and was recently named a member of the Oscars Academy.

    WOO-SIK SEO | CEO & Producer - Barunson C&C (South Korea)

    Woo-Sik Seo is one of the most prolific film producers in Korea. He has produced some of the most iconic Korean movies and TV series, including "Mother" (2009) and "Okja" (2017) by Bong Joon-ho, "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" (2008) by Kim Jee-woon, and the hit TV series "Descendants of the Sun" (2016). His most recent production is "Strong Girl Nam-Soon" (2023), currently airing on JTBC in Korea and Netflix worldwide. He was the CEO of Barunson and Contents W, and is now the CEO of Barunson C&C.

    Moderated by

    LIZ SHACKLETON | Contributing Editor, Asia – Deadline Hollywood

    Based in Hong Kong, Liz Shackleton is Contributing Editor, Asia for Los Angeles-based Deadline and founder & editor of the Streamlined.news industry newsletter, which summarises and analyses events in the film and streaming content industries outside of the Americas and Europe (i.e. Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East). She was previously Asia Editor of Screen International.

    02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

    Unlocking Co-Production Opportunities with the Arab World; Scanning the Ecosystem of Film Commissions, Funds, Labs & Filming Locations

    Through a deep dive into the vibrant and multifaceted creative landscape of the Arab world, this panel provides answers on how to co-produce with the region. It shines a spotlight on the pivotal role that film commissions, funding entities, and labs play in nurturing and promoting talent, fostering co-productions and enhancing cultural exchange. It also delves into what makes a successful filming location, how it can foster the growth of a region into a dynamic film hub, and how it can enable co-productions. Ultimately, the session seeks to uncover untapped prospects for filmmakers, offering insights into what different regions can offer, and how we can draw more talent and producers to the Arab World. 

    Panelists

    ABDULLAH ALKHALDI | Chief Investment and Credit Officer - Cultural Development Fund (KSA)

    Abdullah bin Hassan AlKhaldi is a seasoned investment fund manager and innovation advisor, currently serving as the Chief Investment and Credit Officer at the Saudi Cultural Development Fund. In this role, he leads efforts to develop investment mechanisms within the cultural sector, focusing on partnerships with financial entities to identify funding opportunities for sector growth and long-term sustainability. AlKhaldi's extensive professional experience spans consulting in strategy, operational processes development, and innovation in business and technological models.

    EMAD Z. ESKANDER | Head Manager of Red Sea Fund (KSA)

    Emad Eskander is a Saudi storyteller and filmmaker. A marketing graduate from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals and started his career as a creative conceptualizer in ad agencies. He then gained valuable experience in multiple multinational companies. His passion for films in Saudi and the region prompted him to leave the corporate world for a more creative role in local up-and-coming film agencies. In 2019, he founded his own conceptualizing and writing studio “Blue Bus Entertainment”. In his first year, the studio was able to make huge strides in the local and regional film industry. Currently working as The Head of Red Sea Fund.

    MARIANNE KHOURY | Filmmaker, Producer, Founder of The Dahshur Workshops & Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival (Egypt)

    A Cairo-based filmmaker, Marianne gravitated towards cinema after graduating with an economics degree from Oxford. She has closely collaborated with iconic filmmaker Youssef Chahine for three decades. She produced around 30 feature films that won several awards. Acting as a conduit between artists and the cinema industry, Marianne was instrumental in introducing the first edition of the Panorama of the European Film in Cairo in 2004 and ZAWYA, the first Art House Cinema in Egypt in 2014. Her latest initiative, The Dahshur Workshops, is dedicated to the mentoring and development of films made by emerging Egyptian and Arab talent. Marianne’s latest film ‘’Let’s Talk’’ (2019) was selected to take part in the 32nd edition of IDFA and won the Audience Award at CIFF 2019. In 2022, she was awarded France’s Legion of Honour in the degree of Chevalier (Knight), the highest French decoration. She is presently the Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival.

    ANDREW SMITH OBE DL | Corporate Affairs Director - Pinewood Group (UK)

    Andrew Smith OBE DL joined the Pinewood Studios Group in June 2008 as Corporate Affairs Director. Synonymous with world class British and international productions, the Pinewood Studios Group is home to some of the most successful feature films and TV shows of all time, including "James Bond" and "Star Wars". Andrew is Chair of the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership; a member of BAFTA, the British Film Commission Advisory Board, the British Screen Forum, the Department of International Trade Creative Industries Trade Advisory Group and a Governor of the British Film Institute. In June 2021 Andrew was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire and in January 2022 was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2022 New Year’s Honours for services to ‘Business and the British Film Industry’.

    Moderated by

    GEORGE DAVID | Production and Talent Development Consultant (Jordan)

    George David is a seasoned production, talent development and international film commission consultant. He served as the Managing Director of the Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC) and President of the Board of Directors of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI). In addition to several years in entertainment PR, he worked as a producer and production manager in Los Angeles and in the MENA region. David specializes in development, physical production, film commissions, film funds and incentives, and ATL and BTL training and education. He is currently consulting on several public and private sector film and television initiatives globally.

    05:30 PM – 06:30 PM

    In Conversation With Catherine Martin

    Panelists

    CATHERINE MARTIN | Production Designer, Costume Designer & Producer (Australia)

    Catherine Martin, a four-time Oscar-winning Production Designer, Costume Designer, and Producer, is renowned for her 30-year collaboration with husband Baz Luhrmann across film, theatre, TV, opera and fashion. Beginning at Australia's prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art, she earned early acclaim for theatre and opera design. Transitioning to film with "Strictly Ballroom" in 1992, Martin received two BAFTA awards. Notable projects include "Romeo + Juliet” (1996) – for which she received her first Academy Award nomination – and the acclaimed "Moulin Rouge!" (2001), which earned her Academy Awards in both Costume Design and Art Direction. She co-produced, designed, and costumed "Australia" (2008), receiving another Academy Award nomination. For her work producing and designing 2013’s "The Great Gatsby,” she won two more Academy Awards, after which she went on to executive produce Luhrmann's Netflix series "The Get Down.” Most recently, for "Elvis” (2022), she was nominated for three more Academy Awards as a producer, production and costume designer. Beyond film, she has guest edited Vogue and Vogue Living in Australia, designed two campaigns for Chanel No. 5 and designed Broadway hit “La Boheme” (2002), and established her own eponymous home furnishings brand. Martin divides her time between New York and the Gold Coast with Luhrmann and their two children.

    Moderated by

    KALEEM AFTAB | Director of International Programs - Red Sea International Film Festival (KSA)

    Kaleem Aftab is the Director of International Programs for the Red Sea International Film Festival. He is the author of the critically acclaimed and authorized biography of Spike Lee - That's My Story and I'm Sticking to it. Born and raised in London, Kaleem worked as a renowned film critic for over 25 years, writing for The Independent, The Guardian and Sight and Sound. He is currently the Film Critic for BBC Radio London and appears regularly on hit television film show BBC Talking Movies. He is Talent Editor of Galerie. Screen International described Aftab as an "International Festival expert."

  • DECEMBER 5th, 2023

  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

    Animation & Video Games: More than a genre, a World of Endless Possibilities

    Whether it is in fiction films or documentaries, adult or children’s content, animation has been reshaping modern storytelling in a unique way that transcends genres, conveys complex narratives and captivates viewers of all ages. This talk explores the realm of animation and the various opportunities it offers on the local and global scene, while examining the impact of special effects, CGI and Generative AI on animation movie-making today. It also tackles the power of storytelling in video games and how they can translate to IPs, especially in times of social change.

    Panelists

    MIKE FISCHER | Professor of Interactive Media - University of Southern California, Interactive Media & Games Division (USA)

    Mike Fischer is an experienced executive in interactive entertainment, having held senior positions at Amazon, Microsoft, and top video game companies, including CEO of Square Enix America. He has led the publishing strategy for some of the biggest franchises in video games, including Fortnite, Final Fantasy, Tomb Raider, Halo, Gears of War and Sonic the Hedgehog. Mike is also an angel investor and advisor to a number of firms across interactive entertainment, including eSports, AR/VR, digital communities, AI and network technology. He has also represented the industry as a board member of the Entertainment Software Association and President of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.

    AHMED HAMOUDA | Head of Story – Giraffics (Egypt)

    Ahmed Hamouda is the co-founder and the head of story at Giraffics, an award-winning animation studio currently at the forefront of the Egyptian industry with over 1000 minutes of animation produced worldwide, including 500+ animation minutes in KSA. Hamouda has worked as a consulting/supervising producer in two short movies of Disney's Kizazi Moto. Driven by a quest to share stories from the Arab world with the whole world, Hamouda's first feature film, “The Grand Night”, is receiving a development fund from the Red Sea this round and it was selected at Annecy's MIFA, in 2020; that prestigious launch enabled the project to attract key animation players globally. He also got selected to be a judge in the Meknès Animation Festival and he's the ambassador of Trojan Horse Was a Unicorn (THU) in North Africa.

    CYNTHIA MADANAT SHARAIHA | Director, Co-Founder & Creative Director - Digitales Media (Jordan)

    Jordanian director, Cynthia Madanat Sharaiha founded Digitales with her husband, executive producer, Shadi Sharaiha. She is renowned for works like "Our Family Life" (2017-2023), an award-winning YouTube series. "Saleem" (2023), her first 3D animation feature film, is an uplifting story about a child’s journey of hope, resilience, friendship, and triumph over tragedy.

    KARIM ZREIK | Executive Producer & President - Cedar Tree Productions (USA)

    Karim Zreik is the founder and President of Cedar Tree Productions, currently under an exclusive overall deal with Amazon Studios. Karim works with Amazon Studios to develop film, television and animation projects. Prior to founding Cedar Tree Productions, Zreik was the Head of Television for Lord Miller Productions from 2020 to 2022. Prior to joining Lord Miller, Karim served as Sr. Vice President, Original Programming & Production at Marvel TV Studios where he oversaw all live action and animated television. Established in 2014, Marvel Television produced over 400 hours of programming, including Peabody Award Winning "Marvel's Jessica Jones" (2015-2019) and Emmy Award Winning "Marvel's Luke Cage" (2016-2018).

    Moderated by

    GEORG SZALAI | Global Business Editor – The Hollywood Reporter

    Georg joined The Hollywood Reporter in 2001 as business reporter in New York, was named business editor in 2003 and also became New York bureau chief in 2005. Based in the U.K. since 2012, he has worked with THR's global team as international business editor and, since 2023, as global business editor. Georg has covered such deals as Disney's acquisition of large parts of Fox, the merger that created Warner Bros. Discovery, Comcast's takeover of Sky and various music catalog sales. He also follows the streaming business, CEO pay and has attended film festivals from Berlin and Cannes to Tokyo.

    12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

    Artificial Intelligence: Filmmaking’s Doomsday or Renaissance?

    This panel will explore how AI is apt to transform filmmaking. Through a rundown of use cases where AI/Generative-AI is employed in the filmmaking industry, specialists will unfold the opportunities and dangers of these new technologies, as a preface to the bigger questions that are haunting filmmakers around the world: in a world of ever-growing AI abilities, what will be the future of creativity? What is the impact on the job market in the media field? What are the ethics and copyright regulations behind the usage of AI art? What are the current biases reinforcing stereotypes and common narratives around AI? And ultimately, will AI be a calamity or a blessing for filmmaking?

    Panelists

    KAILIN CHE | Counsel, Head of Financing – SmithDehn & Divergent Pictures (USA, Canada)

    Kailin Che, a seasoned California entertainment, media, and tech attorney at SmithDehn LLP, serves a diverse clientele, handling complex transactions for producers, artists, and media companies in film, TV, music, and commercial ventures. She also offers strategic counsel to tech firms, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence. Her clients encompass renowned entertainment companies and top financiers, including A24 Films, Ford Foundation, Blink Films, Taylor and Dodge LLC, and Republic. Beyond her legal work, Kailin heads financing at Divergent Pictures.

    PAUL EDWARDS | General Manager of Asharq Discovery - SRMG (KSA)

    Paul Edwards is the General Manager of ‘Asharq Discovery’, the recently launched free-to-view platform by SRMG available across the entire MENA region. Prior to that Paul led the Content team working for Paramount’s free streaming product Pluto TV. Based in London, Paul had been with Pluto TV since the service was launched in the UK in October 2018, since that time he has overseen launches into Canada, Scandinavia, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Responsible for bringing 200+ Content Partners to the Service and launching over 1500 channels.

    DAR GAI | Founder & Director - Jugaad Motion Pictures (India, Ukraine)

    Dar's feature narratives have opened in festivals such as Busan, BFI, Palm Springs, SXSW and have won multiple international awards. Her films and series have been acquired by Netflix, Amazon and other International distributors for Theatrical/OTT exhibition. She has written and directed clutter breaking music videos with international music labels like Universal and Sony. The music video for "cold/mess" was deemed as “Music Video of the Year” by The Rolling Stone magazine. She is currently the creator and showrunner for a Young Adult series with Netflix India. Dar extensively uses generative AI for pre-visualization, as well as in her writing and research process.

    Moderated by

    RAFA SALES ROSS | Film Journalist (Brazil, UK)

    Rafa Sales Ross is a film journalist and programmer commonly seen on Variety, Sight & Sound, BBC Culture and Little White Lies. A proud Brazilian who relocated to dreary Scotland, Rafa travels the world year-round covering film festivals and the media industry. Other specialties include accessibility-focused programming and Latin American cinema.

    02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

    Variety International Filmmaker Award: Kaouther Ben Hania

    Panelists

    KAOUTHER BEN HANIA | Filmmaker (Tunisia)

    Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania studied cinema in Tunisia and in Paris (Femis and la Sorbonne). She directed several shorts, features and documentaries: ‘’The Man who sold his skin’’, ‘’Beauty and the Dogs’’, ‘’Zaineb hates the snow’’, ‘’The Challat of Tunis’’. All her other movies were in prestigious festivals: Cannes, Venise, Locarno, Oscars.

    Moderated by

    Tatiana Siegel | Executive Editor Film & Media - Variety

    Tatiana Siegel is Executive Editor Film & Media at Variety, where she covers the business of the entertainment industry, ranging from deeply reported investigative pieces to incisive cover profiles. In February 2022, she landed an American Society of Magazine Editors nomination for excellence in reporting for an exposé on Scott Rudin and an investigative follow-up feature on the complicity machine behind the mega-producer. In 2019, she was named print journalist of the year at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards for work that included an abuse-of-power bombshell that led to Warner Bros. chief Kevin Tsujihara resigning. She has written nearly 100 cover stories for Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard that span both people (Mick Jagger, Drake and Scarlett Johansson) and scandals (the Sony hack and the career implosion of NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell). In addition, she has won multiple SoCal Journalism Awards for such stories as the 2018 profile “Playmate to Politico: How Pamela Anderson Became an International Woman of Mystery” and frequently offers her showbiz analysis everywhere from ABC’s Good Morning America to NPR’s All Things Considered. Her previous posts include Senior Writer at Rolling Stone and Executive Film Editor at The Hollywood Reporter. The Boston native holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in journalism from New York University.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

The Writer’s Journey: Navigating Scripts for Film, TV & Future Storytelling Formats

In this panel we are joined by a diverse group of Sales and Distribution Executives from around the world. We will be hearing their perspectives on how to stay current in this evolving Sales and Distribution landscape including: what new structures are appearing that are getting movies made; how to keep your film distribution strategy competitive in the current Arab and international market and the massive presence of streaming platforms; how to address the challenge of getting people back into theaters; and what content is drawing the most funding in both the independent and studio markets?

Panelists

SHERI ELWOOD | Executive Producer, Writer, Director - Elwood Ink (Canada, USA)

Sheri Elwood’s brand of autobiographical storytelling has led her to writing and producing the hit series ("Lucifer" - Netflix / Fox / Warner Bros.) (2016 – 2021), sell an inordinate amount of lemons ("Call Me Fitz" - HBO Canada) (2010 – 2013) and immortalize her wildly dysfunctional family ("Moonshine" - CW/ CBC) (2021). She is currently adapting the hit series "Keeping Faith" (2017 – 2021) for BBC America and Lionsgate in addition to developing with studio partners Blink49. Her next batch of shows include monsters, metal detectors and tearing down the medical industrial complex.

MOHAMED HASSAN | Writer, Journalist (Egypt, New Zealand)

Mohamed Hassan is an award-winning writer, journalist and poet from Cairo and Auckland. He is the creator and showrunner for the Sky Originals series ''Miles From Nowhere'' which premieres at the RSIFF this year. His bestselling essay collection "How to be a Bad Muslim" was published by Penguin Random House in 2022, and his poems have been shared widely online and are taught in hundreds of schools.

AHMED SHARKAWI | Director of Arab Content Development - Netflix EMEA

Ahmed is the Director of Arabic Content Development at Netflix. With a 25 year-experience, Ahmed has overseen over 500 hours of scripted drama. Part of the founding team for Sony Pictures Television (SPT) in the Middle East, Ahmed also headed the scripted development division at SPT Arabia. He now builds series from script to screen, leading teams across the creative and business elements of the process.

KARIM ZREIK | Executive Producer & President - Cedar Tree Productions (USA)

Karim Zreik is the founder and President of Cedar Tree Productions, currently under an exclusive overall deal with Amazon Studios. Karim works with Amazon Studios to develop film, television and animation projects. Prior to founding Cedar Tree Productions, Zreik was the Head of Television for Lord Miller Productions from 2020 to 2022. Before joining Lord Miller, Karim served as Sr. Vice President, Original Programming & Production at Marvel TV Studios where he oversaw all live-action and animated television. Established in 2014, Marvel Television produced over 400 hours of programming, including Peabody Award Winning "Marvel's Jessica Jones" (2015-2019) and Emmy Award Winning "Marvel's Luke Cage” (2016-2018).

Moderated by

KARIM SAFIEDDINE | Co-Founder, CEO & Executive Producer - Cinemoz (Lebanon, France)

Karim Safieddine is the founder and CEO of Cinemoz.com. Karim founded Cinemoz following a career in Film & TV production and distribution, mainly spent between Magnolia Pictures (NYC) and The Weinstein Company (NYC), as an international sales agent, negotiating premium content licensing for the EMEA and digital platforms. He is also the founder of Red Room Productions, a Paris based company dedicated to trans-media content production and distribution of Digital formats developed on web and mobile trends in European markets. Karim holds a Master’s Degree in International Law from the Sorbonne University in Paris, along with a Master’s Degree in Film Business and Management from the City University of London, during which he wrote a thesis on digital content and media distribution in MENA territories.

12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

Redefining the Theatrical Experience in the Post-Streaming Era

With the rise of streaming platforms and the recent global industry challenges, theaters continue to struggle worldwide to draw audiences. This panel tackles the market’s realities – with a particular focus on the Arab world and KSA – where the theatrical experience is regularly being reshaped to secure a more lasting model. Use cases include how the IMAX technology has revolutionized the experience for movie-goers, how streaming and theatrical can be complementary endeavors to support independent filmmaking, or how the programming of events in theaters has set the tone and trend to increase attendance. On the distribution front, the session will discuss whether the market’s segmentation will kick-start the birth of creative segmentation to cater to different audiences. Ultimately, it will delve into the various trends and challenges filmmakers face when having to choose between cinema releases or releasing their work on digital streaming platforms, and how this affects the current distribution chronology in a film’s lifespan.

Panelists

GIOVANNI DOLCI | Global Chief Sales Officer – IMAX

Giovanni Dolci joined IMAX Corporation in October 2012 and serves as Global Chief Sales Officer since 2021. Before that, Giovanni held various positions at IMAX including Senior Vice President, Theatre Development and Managing Director, Europe and Africa. Prior to IMAX, he was Director of Commercial Operations at Arts Alliance Media. Giovanni also worked in film financing, overseeing projects in New Zealand, Italy and the UK. Giovanni has a degree in Economics and Management from Bocconi University in Milan and an MSc in Management from Cass Business School in London. He is a former Junior Fellow of the AspenInstitute in Italy.

EUGENE KIM | Content Director - Plus M Entertainment (South Korea)

Eugene Kim is a Content Director of Plus M Entertainment, a major film studio in South Korea. With over 10 years’ experience specializing in both local and international distribution as well as production at Showbox, one of Korea’s leading contents studios, she has been in charge of financing several films including "Hunt" (2022) and "Hopeless" (2023), which were each invited to Midnight Screening and Un Certain Regard at Cannes Film Festival in 2022 and 2023. She has also developed her expertise in both film and series production, and her filmography spans titles such as "Urban Myths" (2022), "My SHINee World" (2023) and the series "I Have Not Done My Best" (2022).

LUKE VETERE | Managing Director – Studio Distribution - Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment (Middle East)

Luke Vetere is Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Distribution, the largest theatrical distributor in the region, and Licensee for Warner Brothers and Universal in the Middle East. Luke is a seasoned executive with 25 years of experience in Exhibition and Distribution. Luke was Marketing & Sales Director (UK & Ireland) for Odeon Cinemas and sat on the Boards of the UK Cinema Exhibitor Association and Digital Cinema Media. Luke was also Commercial Director (EMEA) for 20th Century Fox in London. In 2017, Luke moved to Dubai, to establish Majid Al Futtaim Distribution as the Licensee for 20th Century Fox in the GCC. Majid Al Futtaim Distribution is part of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, a leading exhibitor, distributor and content producer in the Middle East.

ALEX WALTON | Co-Head & Partner – WME Independent (UK)

Alex Walton co-leads WME Independent, a division of William Morris Endeavor that handles domestic and international film packaging, film financing consulting services and sales across multiple platforms, with offices in Los Angeles and London. Walton has recently arranged financing and managed sales for films including Christy Hall’s upcoming directorial debut, “Daddio” (2023), starring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn, Will Oldroyd’s “Eileen” (2023), starring Anne Hathaway and adapted for the screen by Ottessa Moshfegh and Luke Goebel, John Carney’s “Flora and Son” (2023), starring Eve Hewson and Jack Reynor, Ruben Ostlund’s Palme d’Or winner and Oscar nominated feature “Triangle of Sadness” (2022), and Dev Patel’s directorial debut “Monkey Man” (2022), which Patel also stars in.

Moderated by

NICK VIVARELLI | Italy & Middle East Correspondent – Variety

Niccolò (Nick) Vivarelli is a journalist, director and author who grew up in Italy and the U.S., where he attended NYU. A regular on the international film festival circuit, he is Variety’s Italy and Middle East correspondent, based in Rome. He’s worked for several other media outlets, including The Associated Press and Newsweek. His first foray into filmmaking, "Life As a B-Movie: Piero Vivarelli" (2019), co-directed with Fabrizio Laurenti, launched from the Venice Film Festival and won the Nastro d’Argento (Silver Ribbon) 2020 awarded by Italy’s film critics for best doc in cinema. He is the author of "Slalom" (2013), a thriller set in a rehab community in Tuscany.

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

Women Charting the Course of Film & TV: Crafting Unconventional Narratives

Leading women showrunners, directors and producers will take us through their personal filmmaking journeys, from crafting authentic, nuanced, and unapologetic female-centric narratives, to bringing forward stories that were long considered taboo. How are they currently redefining women’s portrayal on-screen and subsequently in real life? How do they develop relatable characters and compelling stories? And what opportunities and challenges do they face off-screen when spearheading a project? The discussion will also address ways to support and nurture female talents without perpetuating gender polarization, offering insights from both Eastern and Western contexts.

Panelists

NORA ABOUSHOUSHA | Screenwriter & CEO - Contentzilla Production House (KSA)

Nora is a filmmaker known for exploring human relationships through drama and comedy, focusing on themes like women, class, love, and societal meaning. Her recent work includes the Netflix series "Jaiba Al Eid" (2023), where she served as the creator, head writer, and executive producer, depicting the journey of a single mother's marriage to a British man of Pakistani origin. Nora's short film script "Ya Hathi Fiiki" won support from the Saudi Film Commission and featured in several film festivals. She also crafted series for Shahid platform, including "The Case" and "Confessions." Nora began her career as a writer for documentaries and TV programs, showcased on Arab platforms like Khawatir, Seen, and Film Ehsan. Born in Jeddah, she grew up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Hastings, Britain, and now owns a production company in Saudi Arabia.

SHERI ELWOOD | Executive Producer, Writer, Director - Elwood Ink (Canada, USA)

Sheri Elwood’s brand of autobiographical storytelling has led her to writing and producing the hit series ("Lucifer" - Netflix / Fox / Warner Bros.) (2016 – 2021), sell an inordinate amount of lemons ("Call Me Fitz" - HBO Canada) (2010 – 2013) and immortalize her wildly dysfunctional family ("Moonshine" - CW/ CBC) (2021). She is currently adapting the hit series "Keeping Faith" (2017 – 2021) for BBC America and Lionsgate in addition to developing with studio partners Blink49. Her next batch of shows include monsters, metal detectors and tearing down the medical industrial complex.

YVONNE ISIMEME IBAZEBO | Producer - Turnover Films (UK)

Yvonne Isimeme Ibazebo is known for producing acclaimed films and TV shows with an eye for compelling stories. From Ngozi Onwurah’s “Shoot The Messenger” (2016) starring David Oyelowo and Daniel Kaluuya; to “Top Boy” (2011-2013), the Netflix series with Drake as Executive Producer. Through Turnover Films Yvonne is developing a variety of projects including a feature film set in Burkina Faso with DNA/Film4/MGM and a TV series with Argo/BBC set in Nigeria. Completed projects include “Two Single Beds” (2020), a short written and starring Daniel Kaluuya for Film 4; “A Story of Bones” (2022), best documentary nominee at Tribeca; and “Rye Lane” (2023) critically acclaimed feature which premiered at Sundance.

Moderated by

JULIETTE MÉNAGER | International Casting Director & President - Joule Studio (France)

Juliette Ménager has provided artists for over a thousand productions. Her eclecticism, vision and taste for innovation means she is constantly on the creative cutting edge. In 1994, she created Joule Studio Casting, where today she still plays a significant part in finding the best talent. Collaborations with directors like Alejandro Innaritù, Darren Star, Steven Spielberg and Spike Lee, allowed Juliette's studio to become 'the casting rendez-vous' in Paris. In 2019, with the casting team, she won an Artios Award for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" (2017). She is a member of the CSA, ICDN and ARDA and an Academy Member since 2022.

03:30 PM – 04:30 PM

Film Franchise & IP in Contemporary Cinema: Impact on Talent, Industry and Culture

In an ever-growing IP-driven ecosystem, franchise-dominated models continue to strive and shape the commercial and independent film industry. Whether they’re related films in succession sharing the same fictional universe, marketed as a movie series or conceived as a multiple-film work, franchises hold historical significance and exert undeniable influence on audiences, filmmakers, and the industry. Yet, the ongoing debate questions whether franchises enhance or alter cinema as an art form, and if they reflect endless or limited storytelling capacity. This session delves into the multifaceted world of film franchises as a cinematic phenomenon – especially in KSA – exploring the origin and growth of iconic titles; the creative challenges and opportunities in serialized storytelling; the role of technology in shaping franchise development; the financial motivations driving this craze; and the complex interplay between intellectual property, licensing, and creative development. The discussion also addresses the delicate balance of maintaining brand identity while fostering innovation within established universes. Additionally, it will explore the profound influence of franchises on audience expectations, examining how fan engagement contributes to ongoing success and sustainability, elevating characters as brands yet scrambling the status of the movie star. Speakers will share their respective experience in major IPs, from ‘’The Equalizer’’ and ‘’Star Wars’’ to the Warner Bros. slate of tentpole titles, offering perspectives on the artistic and commercial dimensions of franchises, and challenging the perceived dichotomy between art and commerce. Ultimately, the session will contemplate the future of film franchises: will we ever witness the emergence of an Arab Batman or Superman, further pushing the boundaries and possibilities of these iconic characters in a global context?

Panelists

FAISAL BALTYUOR | Founder & CEO – CineWaves Films (KSA)

Baltyuor has been a Saudi film producer and director since 2004. He is the former CEO of the Saudi Film Council and led film industry development initiatives at the Ministry of Culture. Currently the CEO of Muvi Studios, he also serves as a board member at Manga Production by Misk Foundation. Additionally, he founded one of the fastest-growing distribution companies in Saudi Arabia, CineWaves Films, which boasts the largest Saudi film library. CineWaves Films has recently become a preferred partner aggregator for Netflix in the MENA region. Faisal worked to establish strong relations and initiate education programs with the best film schools in the US, France, Germany, and the UK, supporting over 3000 Saudi talents. Faisal holds a master's degree in digital media from the University of Newcastle in Australia. He worked at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, where he headed Ithra Cinema and film initiatives, overseeing local and international productions, film events, and training programs. Faisal is a producer and executive producer of more than 40 feature and short films, some of which were part of the first wave of Saudi films acquired by Netflix, and others were selected in the official competitions of A-list film festivals such as the Venice International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and London International Film Festival.

TARAK BEN AMMAR | President - Eagle Pictures (Tunisia, France)

Tarak Ben Ammar was born in 1949 in Tunisia. After graduating from Georgetown University, he forged a successful career as a film producer. He created the film industry in Tunisia by building the first film studios and bringing there the production of movies such as Lucas "Star Wars" and Spielberg "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981). He has been a board member of companies such as Mediaset, Mediobanca, Telecom Italia and Vivendi. He controls Eagle Pictures, Italy’s number one independent film distribution and production company. In 2019, Ben Ammar formed a US venture called Spyglass Media Group, with Gary Barber and Lantern Entertainment. In February 2022, He acquired the Studios de Paris, the largest movie studio in Paris. Ben Ammar enlarged its strategic alliance with Sony Pictures and Paramount Pictures by becoming their exclusive distributor in Italy through Eagle Pictures and participating in the production of movies like "Equalizer 3" (Sony) (2023) with Denzel Washington, on its way to reach $200 million as a worldwide box office success. In 2023 Ben Ammar has announced the building of a new film studio in Rome.

VALÉRIE GARCIA | President – Gabman (France)

Valérie has over two decades of experience producing seminal work in features, series, and documentaries in France and around the globe. Her distinctive works as a producer include French box office remake “Perfect Strangers” (2016), “Two is a Family” (2016) starring Omar Sy, “La Famille Bélier” (2014) remade into the Academy Award-winning feature “Coda” (2021). Beyond productions, she served the industry successfully as leading distributor for some of the most renowned titles across French territories including “Moonlight” (2016), “Midnight in Paris” (2011), and “12 Years a Slave” (2013). Under GABMAN, her new company fully dedicated to production, she approaches bringing new talents to such heights from Europe, MENA region and US, always focusing on offering personal stories that carry a global appeal. Be it a comedy or drama, a mainstream or an award driven, her stories highlight the essence of what it is to be human.

GREG SILVERMAN | Founder & CEO – Stampede Ventures (USA)

Film executive, producer, and tech investor Greg Silverman is the chief executive officer and founder of global media company Stampede Ventures, which creates and owns new IP across film, television, and digital with an eye toward franchise-first content and building the next generation of blockbusters. Prior to founding Stampede, Greg served as President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production at Warner Bros. Pictures. During his tenure, he spearheaded such box office hits as “The Hangover” (2009), “The Dark Knight” (2008), “Gravity” (2013), “Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice” (2016), “Suicide Squad” (2016), “The Lego Movie” (2014), “Sully” (2016), “The Accountant” (2016), “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015), “Wonder Woman” (2017), “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018) , “The Joker” (2019), “Inception” (2010), “300” (2006), “American Sniper” (2014), “A Star Is Born” (2018), Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” (2017), and Steven Spielberg’s “Ready Player One” (2018). His career spans more than 125 movies and over 37 billion dollars in worldwide box office.

Moderated by

MELANIE GOODFELLOW | Senior International Film Correspondent - Deadline Hollywood

Melanie Goodfellow is a Senior International Film Correspondent at Deadline Hollywood. She has covered the international film and TV industry for close to two decades out of France, Europe and the Middle East. She is currently based in London.

12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

Peak TV’s Season Finale: Too Little or Too Many Series?

While the Golden Age of television seems to be coming to a slow halt, this panel will explore the weight of series versus films in today’s audiovisual landscape. On a local scale; an overview of the current trends of series production will shed light on the streaming services currently present in the Arab region, and the possibilities to enhance local productions, attract more streamers, and reach global audiences through crossover series. On a global scale, it will question whether consolidation will keep the streaming world viable with the numerous services operating worldwide. 

Panelists

JENNIFER CHEN | Head of Studios, VP of Content - Channel Zero Studios (Canada)

Jennifer Chen is the head of Channel Zero Studios in Canada, responsible for developing and producing international scripted series and feature films. Jennifer was previously: VP of Programming for all the Channel Zero television networks, including acquisitions and original programming; and GM of Ouat Media, a premium global distributor specializing in short-form content. Jennifer studied cinema at the Sorbonne in Paris before returning to Canada, where she worked in feature film production and produced her own films. She also holds an MBA from Northwestern and York University.

MARK DENESSEN | Owner & Producer - Ginger Pictures & The Bigger Picture AV-agency (Netherlands, Denmark)

Mark is the founder of The Bigger Picture AV-agency. Since 2002, he’s been collaborating with over fifty AV companies across Europe, providing expertise in development, financing, business planning and management. He is also the founder of Ginger Pictures where he co-produced over twenty films and series such as ‘’Monster Loving Maniacs’’ (2022) and Vinterberg's Oscar-winning "Another Round" (2020).

ABDULRAHMAN KHAWJ | CEO & Executive Producer - Kawkab Pictures (KSA)

Abdulrahman Khawj is a film and TV executive producer. He founded Cinepoetics Pictures in 2016, a Jeddah-based production company that developed and produced feature films and short animation films. Their latest short film “Saleeg” (2023) had its world premiere at the Annecy Animation Festival. Abdulrahman most recently served as a creative executive of Arabic local language film and series at Netflix. Abdulrahman is an Alumni of Film Independent, Berlinale Talents and EAVE, the European Audio-Visual Entrepreneurs producers’ workshop. Currently, Abdulrahman serves as CEO of Kawkab Pictures, a Saudi-based entertainment company specializing in financing and distribution of animation and live action films and limited series.

DIEGO RAMÍREZ SCHREMPP | Executive Producer & Partner - Dynamo (Colombia)

Diego’s long career in the TV industry has established him as one of the most important producers in Colombia and Latin America. He was executive producer on "Falco" (2013- 2018), winner of an International Emmy award in 2019. In addition, he is co-creator and showrunner on "Green Frontier" (2019), one of Colombia’s first original series for Netflix. He was also a production supervisor on the renowned "Narcos" (2015-2018), one of the most-watched shows in the world. In 2023, "La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta" premiered on Prime Video, a series where he also was is co- creator and showrunner. Diego is currently executive producer on "One Hundred Years of Solitude" for Netflix, the biggest show ever made in LATAM.

Moderated by

FRANCESCO CAPURRO | Forum Director - Series Mania (France, Italy)

Originally from Italy, Capurro moved to France in 2005 to work in different positions for movie festivals such as Premiers Plans, Paris Cinéma, Le Festival des Arcs … He worked for three years at the Marché du Film of the Cannes Film Festival. Since 2013, he's been the head of Series Mania Forum, which has become since one of the leading professional events in Europe for the TV series Industry.

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

Is the Blockchain Still an Opportunity for the Film Industry?

Delving into Blockchain technology and its relevance to the film industry as a vehicle to enhance distribution: through use cases and success stories, this panel wishes to reflect on the potential future impact of blockchain technology, from reshaping traditional film financing models to its impact on major studios and independent filmmakers, while discussing the legal considerations on its adoption. Through disruptive discussions between early adopters and gatekeepers, the talk ultimately aims to improve the perception of Blockchain technology with better knowledge about its perks and disadvantages; but also, how it can enhance copyright protection and distribution, and curb unauthorized film piracy.

Panelists

ALEXANDER AMARTEI | Producer – Amartei Entertainment (Ireland)

Alexander Amartei is an Irish entrepreneur, investor, producer, and recently won the Icon Award in Hollywood, and won the Monaco Streaming Film Festival Award alongside James Cameron and Mark Wahlberg. Alexander is the producer of "Antara" - the first major Hollywood Movie in history financed via Blockchain. He is a keynote speaker, panelist, podcast guest, and has been a governmental advisor on the future of industry as it convergences with Web 3, Tokenization and Blockchain.

KAILIN CHE | Counsel, Head of Financing – SmithDehn & Divergent Pictures (USA, Canada)
Kailin Che, a seasoned California entertainment, media, and tech attorney at SmithDehn LLP, serves a diverse clientele, handling complex transactions for producers, artists, and media companies in film, TV, music, and commercial ventures. She also offers strategic counsel to tech firms, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence. Her clients encompass renowned entertainment companies and top financiers, including A24 Films, Ford Foundation, Blink Films, Taylor and Dodge LLC, and Republic. Beyond her legal work, Kailin heads financing at Divergent Pictures.
MAROUN NAJM | Co-Founder & Distribution Director – Cinemoz (Lebanon)

Maroun Najm is the Co-Founder and Distribution Director of Cinemoz Group. With over a decade of experience in tech and the media & entertainment industry, Maroun has been focused on pushing the boundaries of digital distribution and redefining content narratives across the MENA region.

Moderated by

PHILIPP HOFFMANN | Founder & Managing Director – Rushlake Media (Germany)

Philipp Hoffmann is an expert in the world of film sales and digital distribution and has set up Rushlake Media in 2013, a Multi-Platform-Network, with offices in Cologne and Nairobi. Rushlake Media runs international streaming properties such as KINO ON DEMAND, TidPix or Goethe on Demand. Philipp conducts seminars about world sales and distribution as well as international marketing at various programs and schools, such as the University of Popular Music and Music Business (Mannheim/ Germany), Internationale Filmschule (Cologne/ Germany) or the University of Applied Sciences Dortmund.

04:00 PM – 04:45 PM

No Bad Films. Ever - The Story of MUBI

MUBI, the global streaming service, production company and film distributor, was founded by Efe Cakarel in 2007 and has been dedicated to elevating great cinema ever since. MUBI produces, acquires and releases visionary films, bringing them to audiences all over the world. The curated streaming service is available in over 190 countries. MUBI distributes films theatrically around the world – movies such as Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla and Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun. The company is now also producing films including Michel Franco’s Memory starring Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard, Christopher Andrews’ Bring Them Down starring Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan, Mia Hansen-Løve’s One Fine Morning starring Léa Seydoux, and Karim Aïnouz’s recently announced Rosebushpruning starring Kristen Stewart, Josh O’Connor and Elle Fanning. Join Efe Cakarel, MUBI’s Founder and CEO, at the Red Sea International Film Festival to hear about MUBI’s origins and how it all started in a cafe in Tokyo 17 years ago.

The session is open to Souk, Festival and Discoveries badges only.

Panelists

EFE CAKAREL | Founder & CEO – MUBI

Efe founded MUBI, a film streaming service, after he discovered that he couldn’t watch ‘In the Mood for Love’ in a café in Tokyo. Previously, Efe was with Goldman Sachs in London and New York, where he worked on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity investments. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, and MBA from Stanford. Efe ranked 3rd in the 1994 European Math Championship in Geneva, Switzerland. He currently serves on the Future Contemporaries Board of Serpentine Galleries in London. If he were to give you directions, you’d never get lost, and you’d arrive at least 5 minutes early.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Collaborative Ventures: Adapting International IPs; Investing in Local Productions; Connecting Local Stories to Global Audiences

What makes a good IP? And what makes it adaptation-worthy? This panel will delve into the intricacies of adapting international IPs, remakes, and spin-offs to local contexts while weighing the opportunities and challenges in cross-cultural collaborations. Topics include the criteria for IP adaptation, cultural bridging while maintaining authenticity, best practices for successful integration, legal considerations, and assessing the potential success of adaptations. Using case studies of recent successful local remakes and beyond, the talk will also examine the various mechanisms and ways to invest in local films and reveal strategies to bridge local narratives with a global audience, focusing on how the current incentives in the Arab region can enhance the adaptation of international IPs, and what foreign productions are looking for when investing in local films.

Panelists

ZEINAB ABU ALSAMH | General Manager - MBC Studios & CEO - MBC Academy (KSA)

Zeinab Abu Alsamh is the General Manager of MBC STUDIOS KSA, the in-house premium content production arm of MBC GROUP. Abu Alsamh oversees all local production and development projects at MBC STUDIOS KSA, with a particular focus on working on the development and expansion of the content production industry in the Kingdom. As the CEO of MBC ACADEMY, Abu Alsamh’s focuses on developing the next generation of content creators and media professionals via various educational and training programs that leverage on the Group’s infrastructure. Prior to joining MBC GROUP, Abu Alsamh served as Chief Commercial Officer of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA).

ALAA FADAN | CEO & Chairman - Telfaz 11 (KSA)

Alaa Fadan is the Co-Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Telfaz11, a leading force in the Middle East's media and entertainment landscape. He has driven Telfaz11's growth, making it a pioneer in the region's entertainment industry and a prominent voice in Saudi Arabia's pop culture. Alaa's passion for unconventional storytelling and entrepreneurship has led to innovative and impactful entertainment in the region. He was recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business alongside his co-founders. As an executive producer, he worked on three highly acclaimed films including the comedy film "Sattar" (2022), the biggest blockbuster in Saudi Arabia to date, “Raven Song” (2022), and “AlKhallat+” (2022). With his diverse background, Alaa expertly navigates the intersection of technology, business, and the creative world of entertainment. Committed to unlocking Saudi Arabia's creative economy, he propels Telfaz11 forward.

SARA GHORRA | Director of Worldwide Sales & Distribution - AGC Studios (USA, Lebanon)

Sara Ghorra is the Director of Worldwide Sales & Distribution of AGC Studios in Los Angeles. Prior to her move to the United States in 2021, she was based in Dubai and headed the acquisitions department of the Middle East film distribution company Empire Entertainment for 2 years. Before getting into film acquisitions, she was based in Beirut and was responsible for overseeing the marketing initiatives for all of Empire Entertainment’s slate in the Levant region, including Sony Pictures Entertainment’s titles as well as a multitude of independent movies.

SÉBASTIEN ONOMO | Founder & Producer - Special Touch Studios (France)

Sébastien Onomo is a French producer who has been working in the film and audiovisual industry for over ten years. He has produced numerous television films, including "Rudy Gobert" (2023) by Jonathan Bensimhon, and "African Empires" (2023), a documentary series directed by Chris Macari, Françoise Ellong-Gomez, Askia Traoré, and Josza Anjembe. Additionally, he has produced "Gang of the Caribbean" (2016) by Jean-Claude Barny, “Funan” (2018) by Denis Do, which earned the Crystal Award at the 2018 Annecy Festival, "Lost Souls of Syria" by Garance Le Caisne and Stéphane Malterre in 2022, "The Forest of Miss Tang" by Denis Do, which was selected at the 2023 Annecy Festival for a screening event, "The Siren" by Sepideh Farsi, the opening film in the Panorama selection at the 2023 Berlinale, winner of the Best Music award at its official selection at Annecy 2023, and winner of the Best Directing award at the 2023 Champs-Elysées Festival. Finally, he co-produced "Omen" (Augure) by Baloji, selected at Cannes 2023 in the Un Certain Regard category and winner of the New Voice prize.

Moderated by

MELANIE GOODFELLOW | Senior International Film Correspondent - Deadline Hollywood

Melanie Goodfellow is a Senior International Film Correspondent at Deadline Hollywood. She has covered the international film and TV industry for close to two decades out of France, Europe and the Middle East. She is currently based in London.

12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

Cinematic Crossovers: Exploring the Global Impact of Hallyuwood, Bollywood, Nollywood, and French Cinema

A close-up of four major pillars of the contemporary world entertainment industry, as some of the most successful and influential cinematic production models that exist today: Hallyuwood, globally popular thanks to its Korean dramas, K-pop, and crossover content; Bollywood, famous for its vibrant storytelling, iconic musical numbers, and a wide range of genres; Nollywood, known for its prolific production and unique narratives reflecting African culture, and French Cinema, known for its artistic and auteur-driven approach, with a strong presence in the global film festival circuit. What sets them apart and what brings them closer, but above all, what contributes to their success both domestically and internationally? The conversation will also tackle the potential collaborative production and co-financing opportunities with the Arab region, and how any of these models can resonate with the current production landscape in KSA. With the rise of online distribution, it will also shed light on the role of digital media in expanding the reach of cinema beyond borders.

Panelists

CHARLENE DELEON-JONES | Executive Director - Film Al Ula (KSA)

With over two decades of global expertise in consulting, policy development, and executive leadership, Charlene Deleon-Jones is transformation and change strategist with a deep knowledge of the evolving film and screen sector in Saudi Arabia. Serving as the Executive Director of Film AlUla, Charlene guides the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)'s pioneering film agency. Dedicated to fostering a sustainable film ecosystem and positioning AlUla as a premier global film destination. Charlene's focus on AlUla is set against the backdrop of an expansive canvas of untouched natural beauty and ancient civilization with a fast-developing modern infrastructure. Which includes some of the most acclaimed luxury destinations in the world. Leading a diverse team of professionals, she actively nurtures cross-sector collaborations. Her responsibilities include overseeing the development of a cutting-edge film and TV studio complex and the wider media entertainment offering in AlUla.

JÉRÉMIE KESSLER | Director of European and International Affairs – Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée (CNC) (France)

After serving as Deputy Director of Legal and European Affairs for three years and overseeing the reform of the regulation of international platforms, Jérémie Kessler is now the Director of European and International Affairs at the National Center for Cinema and Animated Image (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée, CNC). He is responsible for managing initiatives such as the Support Aide aux cinemas du monde and the export of French works. Previously, Jérémie Kessler was a student at the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon and the National School of Administration (ENA). He then worked as a magistrate at the Administrative Court of Paris for four years. He also wrote an essay about the French actress Catherine Deneuve.

DHEER MOMAYA | Founder & Producer - Jugaad Motion Pictures (India)

Dheer Momaya is a National Award Winning and Oscar shortlisted producer and founder of Jugaad Motion Pictures. Their films have been screened at TIFF, Tribeca, Busan, BFI, Palm Springs and have been theatrically distributed in over 30 international territories. The latest feature, “Last Film Show” (2021) (directed by Pan Nalin) is presented globally by Orange Studio (France). It has been acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films (USA), Shochiku (Japan), Medusa (Italy), Neuevisionen (Germany), Karma Films (Spain), and theatrically distributed in 25 other territories. It is the first Indian film in 21 years to be shortlisted for the Foreign Language Oscar.

JADESOLA OSIBERU | Filmmaker and Producer - Greoh Studios (Nigeria)

Jadesola Osiberu is a Nigerian writer, director and producer and founder of Greoh Studios. She is known for ''Isoken' (2017), ''Sugar Rush'' (2019), ''Brotherhood'' (2022) and ''Gangs of Lagos'' (2023), the first Nigerian original film set to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. In September 2022, Osiberu's Greoh Studios signed a three-year deal with Amazon to develop and produce original scripted TV series and feature films. Jadesola is a graduate of Berlinale's Talent Program and was recently named a member of the Oscars Academy.

WOO-SIK SEO | CEO & Producer - Barunson C&C (South Korea)

Woo-Sik Seo is one of the most prolific film producers in Korea. He has produced some of the most iconic Korean movies and TV series, including "Mother" (2009) and "Okja" (2017) by Bong Joon-ho, "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" (2008) by Kim Jee-woon, and the hit TV series "Descendants of the Sun" (2016). His most recent production is "Strong Girl Nam-Soon" (2023), currently airing on JTBC in Korea and Netflix worldwide. He was the CEO of Barunson and Contents W, and is now the CEO of Barunson C&C.

Moderated by

LIZ SHACKLETON | Contributing Editor, Asia – Deadline Hollywood

Based in Hong Kong, Liz Shackleton is Contributing Editor, Asia for Los Angeles-based Deadline and founder & editor of the Streamlined.news industry newsletter, which summarises and analyses events in the film and streaming content industries outside of the Americas and Europe (i.e. Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East). She was previously Asia Editor of Screen International.

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

Unlocking Co-Production Opportunities with the Arab World; Scanning the Ecosystem of Film Commissions, Funds, Labs & Filming Locations

Through a deep dive into the vibrant and multifaceted creative landscape of the Arab world, this panel provides answers on how to co-produce with the region. It shines a spotlight on the pivotal role that film commissions, funding entities, and labs play in nurturing and promoting talent, fostering co-productions and enhancing cultural exchange. It also delves into what makes a successful filming location, how it can foster the growth of a region into a dynamic film hub, and how it can enable co-productions. Ultimately, the session seeks to uncover untapped prospects for filmmakers, offering insights into what different regions can offer, and how we can draw more talent and producers to the Arab World. 

Panelists

ABDULLAH ALKHALDI | Chief Investment and Credit Officer - Cultural Development Fund (KSA)

Abdullah bin Hassan AlKhaldi is a seasoned investment fund manager and innovation advisor, currently serving as the Chief Investment and Credit Officer at the Saudi Cultural Development Fund. In this role, he leads efforts to develop investment mechanisms within the cultural sector, focusing on partnerships with financial entities to identify funding opportunities for sector growth and long-term sustainability. AlKhaldi's extensive professional experience spans consulting in strategy, operational processes development, and innovation in business and technological models.

EMAD Z. ESKANDER | Head Manager of Red Sea Fund (KSA)

Emad Eskander is a Saudi storyteller and filmmaker. A marketing graduate from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals and started his career as a creative conceptualizer in ad agencies. He then gained valuable experience in multiple multinational companies. His passion for films in Saudi and the region prompted him to leave the corporate world for a more creative role in local up-and-coming film agencies. In 2019, he founded his own conceptualizing and writing studio “Blue Bus Entertainment”. In his first year, the studio was able to make huge strides in the local and regional film industry. Currently working as The Head of Red Sea Fund.

MARIANNE KHOURY | Filmmaker, Producer, Founder of The Dahshur Workshops & Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival (Egypt)

A Cairo-based filmmaker, Marianne gravitated towards cinema after graduating with an economics degree from Oxford. She has closely collaborated with iconic filmmaker Youssef Chahine for three decades. She produced around 30 feature films that won several awards. Acting as a conduit between artists and the cinema industry, Marianne was instrumental in introducing the first edition of the Panorama of the European Film in Cairo in 2004 and ZAWYA, the first Art House Cinema in Egypt in 2014. Her latest initiative, The Dahshur Workshops, is dedicated to the mentoring and development of films made by emerging Egyptian and Arab talent. Marianne’s latest film ‘’Let’s Talk’’ (2019) was selected to take part in the 32nd edition of IDFA and won the Audience Award at CIFF 2019. In 2022, she was awarded France’s Legion of Honour in the degree of Chevalier (Knight), the highest French decoration. She is presently the Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival.

ANDREW SMITH OBE DL | Corporate Affairs Director - Pinewood Group (UK)

Andrew Smith OBE DL joined the Pinewood Studios Group in June 2008 as Corporate Affairs Director. Synonymous with world class British and international productions, the Pinewood Studios Group is home to some of the most successful feature films and TV shows of all time, including "James Bond" and "Star Wars". Andrew is Chair of the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership; a member of BAFTA, the British Film Commission Advisory Board, the British Screen Forum, the Department of International Trade Creative Industries Trade Advisory Group and a Governor of the British Film Institute. In June 2021 Andrew was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire and in January 2022 was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2022 New Year’s Honours for services to ‘Business and the British Film Industry’.

Moderated by

GEORGE DAVID | Production and Talent Development Consultant (Jordan)

George David is a seasoned production, talent development and international film commission consultant. He served as the Managing Director of the Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC) and President of the Board of Directors of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI). In addition to several years in entertainment PR, he worked as a producer and production manager in Los Angeles and in the MENA region. David specializes in development, physical production, film commissions, film funds and incentives, and ATL and BTL training and education. He is currently consulting on several public and private sector film and television initiatives globally.

05:30 PM – 06:30 PM

In Conversation With Catherine Martin

Panelists

CATHERINE MARTIN | Production Designer, Costume Designer & Producer (Australia)

Catherine Martin, a four-time Oscar-winning Production Designer, Costume Designer, and Producer, is renowned for her 30-year collaboration with husband Baz Luhrmann across film, theatre, TV, opera and fashion. Beginning at Australia's prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art, she earned early acclaim for theatre and opera design. Transitioning to film with "Strictly Ballroom" in 1992, Martin received two BAFTA awards. Notable projects include "Romeo + Juliet” (1996) – for which she received her first Academy Award nomination – and the acclaimed "Moulin Rouge!" (2001), which earned her Academy Awards in both Costume Design and Art Direction. She co-produced, designed, and costumed "Australia" (2008), receiving another Academy Award nomination. For her work producing and designing 2013’s "The Great Gatsby,” she won two more Academy Awards, after which she went on to executive produce Luhrmann's Netflix series "The Get Down.” Most recently, for "Elvis” (2022), she was nominated for three more Academy Awards as a producer, production and costume designer. Beyond film, she has guest edited Vogue and Vogue Living in Australia, designed two campaigns for Chanel No. 5 and designed Broadway hit “La Boheme” (2002), and established her own eponymous home furnishings brand. Martin divides her time between New York and the Gold Coast with Luhrmann and their two children.

Moderated by

KALEEM AFTAB | Director of International Programs - Red Sea International Film Festival (KSA)

Kaleem Aftab is the Director of International Programs for the Red Sea International Film Festival. He is the author of the critically acclaimed and authorized biography of Spike Lee - That's My Story and I'm Sticking to it. Born and raised in London, Kaleem worked as a renowned film critic for over 25 years, writing for The Independent, The Guardian and Sight and Sound. He is currently the Film Critic for BBC Radio London and appears regularly on hit television film show BBC Talking Movies. He is Talent Editor of Galerie. Screen International described Aftab as an "International Festival expert."

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Animation & Video Games: More than a genre, a World of Endless Possibilities

Whether it is in fiction films or documentaries, adult or children’s content, animation has been reshaping modern storytelling in a unique way that transcends genres, conveys complex narratives and captivates viewers of all ages. This talk explores the realm of animation and the various opportunities it offers on the local and global scene, while examining the impact of special effects, CGI and Generative AI on animation movie-making today. It also tackles the power of storytelling in video games and how they can translate to IPs, especially in times of social change.

Panelists

MIKE FISCHER | Professor of Interactive Media - University of Southern California, Interactive Media & Games Division (USA)

Mike Fischer is an experienced executive in interactive entertainment, having held senior positions at Amazon, Microsoft, and top video game companies, including CEO of Square Enix America. He has led the publishing strategy for some of the biggest franchises in video games, including Fortnite, Final Fantasy, Tomb Raider, Halo, Gears of War and Sonic the Hedgehog. Mike is also an angel investor and advisor to a number of firms across interactive entertainment, including eSports, AR/VR, digital communities, AI and network technology. He has also represented the industry as a board member of the Entertainment Software Association and President of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.

AHMED HAMOUDA | Head of Story – Giraffics (Egypt)

Ahmed Hamouda is the co-founder and the head of story at Giraffics, an award-winning animation studio currently at the forefront of the Egyptian industry with over 1000 minutes of animation produced worldwide, including 500+ animation minutes in KSA. Hamouda has worked as a consulting/supervising producer in two short movies of Disney's Kizazi Moto. Driven by a quest to share stories from the Arab world with the whole world, Hamouda's first feature film, “The Grand Night”, is receiving a development fund from the Red Sea this round and it was selected at Annecy's MIFA, in 2020; that prestigious launch enabled the project to attract key animation players globally. He also got selected to be a judge in the Meknès Animation Festival and he's the ambassador of Trojan Horse Was a Unicorn (THU) in North Africa.

CYNTHIA MADANAT SHARAIHA | Director, Co-Founder & Creative Director - Digitales Media (Jordan)

Jordanian director, Cynthia Madanat Sharaiha founded Digitales with her husband, executive producer, Shadi Sharaiha. She is renowned for works like "Our Family Life" (2017-2023), an award-winning YouTube series. "Saleem" (2023), her first 3D animation feature film, is an uplifting story about a child’s journey of hope, resilience, friendship, and triumph over tragedy.

KARIM ZREIK | Executive Producer & President - Cedar Tree Productions (USA)

Karim Zreik is the founder and President of Cedar Tree Productions, currently under an exclusive overall deal with Amazon Studios. Karim works with Amazon Studios to develop film, television and animation projects. Prior to founding Cedar Tree Productions, Zreik was the Head of Television for Lord Miller Productions from 2020 to 2022. Prior to joining Lord Miller, Karim served as Sr. Vice President, Original Programming & Production at Marvel TV Studios where he oversaw all live action and animated television. Established in 2014, Marvel Television produced over 400 hours of programming, including Peabody Award Winning "Marvel's Jessica Jones" (2015-2019) and Emmy Award Winning "Marvel's Luke Cage" (2016-2018).

Moderated by

GEORG SZALAI | Global Business Editor – The Hollywood Reporter

Georg joined The Hollywood Reporter in 2001 as business reporter in New York, was named business editor in 2003 and also became New York bureau chief in 2005. Based in the U.K. since 2012, he has worked with THR's global team as international business editor and, since 2023, as global business editor. Georg has covered such deals as Disney's acquisition of large parts of Fox, the merger that created Warner Bros. Discovery, Comcast's takeover of Sky and various music catalog sales. He also follows the streaming business, CEO pay and has attended film festivals from Berlin and Cannes to Tokyo.

12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

Artificial Intelligence: Filmmaking’s Doomsday or Renaissance?

This panel will explore how AI is apt to transform filmmaking. Through a rundown of use cases where AI/Generative-AI is employed in the filmmaking industry, specialists will unfold the opportunities and dangers of these new technologies, as a preface to the bigger questions that are haunting filmmakers around the world: in a world of ever-growing AI abilities, what will be the future of creativity? What is the impact on the job market in the media field? What are the ethics and copyright regulations behind the usage of AI art? What are the current biases reinforcing stereotypes and common narratives around AI? And ultimately, will AI be a calamity or a blessing for filmmaking?

Panelists

KAILIN CHE | Counsel, Head of Financing – SmithDehn & Divergent Pictures (USA, Canada)

Kailin Che, a seasoned California entertainment, media, and tech attorney at SmithDehn LLP, serves a diverse clientele, handling complex transactions for producers, artists, and media companies in film, TV, music, and commercial ventures. She also offers strategic counsel to tech firms, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence. Her clients encompass renowned entertainment companies and top financiers, including A24 Films, Ford Foundation, Blink Films, Taylor and Dodge LLC, and Republic. Beyond her legal work, Kailin heads financing at Divergent Pictures.

PAUL EDWARDS | General Manager of Asharq Discovery - SRMG (KSA)

Paul Edwards is the General Manager of ‘Asharq Discovery’, the recently launched free-to-view platform by SRMG available across the entire MENA region. Prior to that Paul led the Content team working for Paramount’s free streaming product Pluto TV. Based in London, Paul had been with Pluto TV since the service was launched in the UK in October 2018, since that time he has overseen launches into Canada, Scandinavia, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Responsible for bringing 200+ Content Partners to the Service and launching over 1500 channels.

DAR GAI | Founder & Director - Jugaad Motion Pictures (India, Ukraine)

Dar's feature narratives have opened in festivals such as Busan, BFI, Palm Springs, SXSW and have won multiple international awards. Her films and series have been acquired by Netflix, Amazon and other International distributors for Theatrical/OTT exhibition. She has written and directed clutter breaking music videos with international music labels like Universal and Sony. The music video for "cold/mess" was deemed as “Music Video of the Year” by The Rolling Stone magazine. She is currently the creator and showrunner for a Young Adult series with Netflix India. Dar extensively uses generative AI for pre-visualization, as well as in her writing and research process.

Moderated by

RAFA SALES ROSS | Film Journalist (Brazil, UK)

Rafa Sales Ross is a film journalist and programmer commonly seen on Variety, Sight & Sound, BBC Culture and Little White Lies. A proud Brazilian who relocated to dreary Scotland, Rafa travels the world year-round covering film festivals and the media industry. Other specialties include accessibility-focused programming and Latin American cinema.

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

Variety International Filmmaker Award: Kaouther Ben Hania

Panelists

KAOUTHER BEN HANIA | Filmmaker (Tunisia)

Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania studied cinema in Tunisia and in Paris (Femis and la Sorbonne). She directed several shorts, features and documentaries: ‘’The Man who sold his skin’’, ‘’Beauty and the Dogs’’, ‘’Zaineb hates the snow’’, ‘’The Challat of Tunis’’. All her other movies were in prestigious festivals: Cannes, Venise, Locarno, Oscars.

Moderated by

Tatiana Siegel | Executive Editor Film & Media - Variety

Tatiana Siegel is Executive Editor Film & Media at Variety, where she covers the business of the entertainment industry, ranging from deeply reported investigative pieces to incisive cover profiles. In February 2022, she landed an American Society of Magazine Editors nomination for excellence in reporting for an exposé on Scott Rudin and an investigative follow-up feature on the complicity machine behind the mega-producer. In 2019, she was named print journalist of the year at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards for work that included an abuse-of-power bombshell that led to Warner Bros. chief Kevin Tsujihara resigning. She has written nearly 100 cover stories for Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard that span both people (Mick Jagger, Drake and Scarlett Johansson) and scandals (the Sony hack and the career implosion of NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell). In addition, she has won multiple SoCal Journalism Awards for such stories as the 2018 profile “Playmate to Politico: How Pamela Anderson Became an International Woman of Mystery” and frequently offers her showbiz analysis everywhere from ABC’s Good Morning America to NPR’s All Things Considered. Her previous posts include Senior Writer at Rolling Stone and Executive Film Editor at The Hollywood Reporter. The Boston native holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in journalism from New York University.