British-Syrian Broadcaster Alaa Abu Shamlat Joins Jury of the MENA International Film Festival
British-Syrian broadcaster and poet Alaa Abu Shamlat has been appointed to the jury of the ninth edition of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Film Festival, which will take place in The Hague, the Netherlands, from 25 to 28 June 2026.
The festival is regarded as one of the leading international platforms dedicated to cinema from the Middle East and North Africa, bringing together filmmakers, critics, artists and cultural figures from around the world while promoting cross-cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.
An International Jury with Strong Arab Representation
Abu Shamlat will join an international panel responsible for judging films competing in the festival’s official programme.
The jury will be chaired by Iranian filmmaker and film critic Parviz Jahed, alongside Nacer Eddine Bouchakif (France/Morocco), Karim Kattafa (Netherlands/Iraq), Tahar Houchi (Algeria/Switzerland) and Walid Seif (Egypt).
The appointment places Abu Shamlat among a distinguished group of cinema and cultural professionals representing diverse artistic and national backgrounds.
A Career Bridging Media and Culture
Abu Shamlat’s selection reflects her growing profile across Britain’s cultural and media landscape as well as wider European cultural circles.
A British journalist, broadcaster and poet of Syrian heritage, she is known for presenting current affairs and cultural programmes while pursuing a PhD in Media Studies.
Alongside her broadcasting work, she serves as a media consultant to several British organisations specialising in Middle Eastern affairs and related public policy.
Championing Arab Culture in Britain and Europe
Over recent years, Abu Shamlat has become a familiar presence at literary and cultural events across Britain and Europe, contributing to initiatives that encourage intercultural dialogue and promote contemporary Arab culture to wider audiences.
Her work combines journalism with poetry, often exploring themes of identity, migration and shared human experience, while her media work continues to highlight cultural issues affecting Arab communities in the diaspora.
A New Chapter for the MENA Film Festival
The jury will evaluate entries in the festival’s official competition and select this year’s winners based on artistic merit and creative achievement.
The ninth edition of the festival is expected to attract filmmakers, producers, artists and cultural professionals from across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.
For Abu Shamlat, the appointment marks another milestone in a career that continues to bridge media, literature and intercultural engagement, further strengthening her presence within international cultural forums.
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