The Incubator
Aseel Sharsheer
My name is Aseel Sharsheer, and I am a 21-year-old independent filmmaker with a passion for both fictional and documentary films. Since beginning my filmmaking journey in 2021, co-directing and co-writing a short film titled Philodendron, I have had the opportunity to intern with various production teams, including the sound department for Alrawabi School for Girls, Season 2. Currently, I am working on directing the first episode of a short documentary web series about the women of the land as a part of the Kakayah program with the RFC. I aspire to create cinema and a visual language that captures the power of narratives and co-designs community storytelling to have social impact.
Diala Al Hindaoui
Diala Al Hindaoui, born in 1997, is a Syrian screenwriter and director residing in Paris since 2016. She holds a degree in film studies from Paris 8 University and Lyon 2 University, as well as a diploma from the École Supérieure de Cinéma Cinéfabrique de Lyon, specializing in screenwriting. Diala has participated as a screenwriter in several projects and has also worked as a script supervisor on several films. In 2022 she directed her first short documentary film titled Two Pieces of Memory, which won the Audience Award at the Arab Film Festival of Noisy-le-Sec. In 2023, she directed another short documentary titled Fatmé, receiving the Young Creation Award at Fipadoc, as well as the Audience Award at the Cinéma du Réel Festival. She currently holds the position of head of the cinema department at Al-Ayoun, where she has organised numerous screenings of Syrian Films. She is also working on her first feature-length documentary, inspired by her latest short film.
Hanna Karim
Hanna Karim, a Syrian-French director and cinematographer born in Aleppo, holds two masters degrees in directing and screenwriting from the University Panthéon-Sorbonne and Paris VIII. His first documentary, As Horning Pigeons, captured during the war in Aleppo, was screened internationally, reflecting his courage and dedication to storytelling in challenging circumstances. His short films have been screened and acclaimed at numerous festivals. Karim has also directed multiple French TV programs and several music videos throughout his career, showcasing his diverse cinematographic skills. Based in Paris, he continues to innovate and craft compelling narratives through film and visual arts.
Tamara Owais
Tamara G. Owais is a distinguished filmmaker based in Amman, Jordan. Known for her exceptional storytelling and leadership abilities in the film industry. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama and Film from Yarmouk University, she has honed her skills through diverse roles. Including as a writer, line producer, production manager, and production assistant. Tamara has contributed to projects such as Golden Cage and award-winning short films like Dinar and Maryam’s World, earning numerous accolades for her work. Her commitment to continuous learning is reflected in her participation in prestigious workshops and courses, enhancing her expertise in creative producing, digital filmmaking, and film criticism. Fluent in Arabic and English, Tamara excels in problem solving, multitasking, and effective communication, making her a valuable asset in any production team. Her proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro and Microsoft Excel further complements her creative and organisational skills. Tamara’s dedication, adaptability, and passion for filmmaking position her as a rising star in the global cinema landscape.
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