SPARK SERIES
July 8
Panel Discussion with Joel Bassaget and Rose of Dolls
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Filmmaker's Hub
مركز صنّاع الافلام
This panel explores the evolution of web series through Joel’s lens as a curator and critic, and Rose’s dual role as creator and festival co-founder. It delves into the format’s unique challenges, creative freedoms, and entrepreneurial potential. Global case studies and selected clips will showcase diverse success stories.
July 8
Screening + Q&A: International Web Series Selection
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Filmmaker's Hub
مركز صنّاع الافلام
Curated by Joel Bassaget & Rose of Dolls
Includes a 10-minute introduction followed by screening
Facilitated by: Muriel Aboulrouss
With: Joel Bassaget and Rose of Dolls
Focus: Curatorial insights, creators’ journeys, and behind-the-scenes stories
July 9
Panel Discussion with Muriel Aboulrouss
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Filmmaker's Hub
مركز صنّاع الافلام
Moderator: Ahmad El Khatib
This session highlights Muriel Aboulrouss’ pioneering work in web series, including Shankabootand Zyara, and her vision behind the Sparks Program. It emphasizes innovation in Arab storytelling and the importance of creating outside traditional industry structures. AIFF’s role as the first Arab festival to spotlight web series is also explored.
July 9
Panel Discussion with Selected International Arab Filmmakers
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Filmmaker's Hub
مركز صنّاع الافلام
On stage one representative of every selected series
Moderator: Muriel Aboulrouss
Panelists: 6 filmmakers from the selected Sparks international Arab series
This discussion explores creators’ reasons for choosing the web series format and the challenges they faced in the process. It addresses audience targeting, future aspirations, and desired shifts in Arab content platforms. Budget transparency is also invited to shed light on production realities.
July 9
Screening: Jordanian Showcase + Selected Arab Series
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Filmmaker's Hub
مركز صنّاع الافلام
Host: Ahmad al Khatib & Muriel Aboulrouss
Jordanian Showcase: Host: Ahmad al Khatib
- Our Family Life: Abu Sanad’s Family; Cynthia Madanat Sharaiha – 11 min
- Luna Story, Laith Hijjawi – 10 min
Selected Arab Series: Host: Muriel Aboulrouss
- Sardines, Zoulikha Tahar ~13 min online Q&A
- Unframed, Jean-Claude Boulos – 10 min
- Bodies on the Margins, Maria Ghafary – 10 min
- Taste of Arrival, Sana Almor – 15 min
Bodies on the Margins
Lebanon
Director: Maria Ghafary
Producer: Marian Abou Elias
EL’SARDINES
France & Algeria
Director: Zoulikha TAHAR
Producer: Claire LEPROUST MAROKO & Hugo LEGRAND-NATHAN
Unframed
Lebanon
Director: Jean-Claude Boulos
Producer: Bachir Asmar
Taste of Arrival
Switzerland
Director: Sana Al Mor
Producer: Sana Al Mor & F+F Schule für Kunst und Design
Our Family Life -
Abu Sanad’s Family
Jordan
Director: Cynthia Madanat Sharaiha
Producer: Shadi Sharaiha
Luna's Story
Jordan
Director: Laith Al-Hijjawi
Producer: Issam Hijjawi
