Specialising in film direction, storytelling and character animation, I am a graduate from the BA Animation Production course at Arts University Bournemouth. I recently directed Checkpoint, a story that I followed through from initial concept and pitch to final screening at the British Film Institute. Checkpoint is currently doing its first festival-run, and has picked up numerous awards and been selected to screen at prestigious festivals including London Independent Film Festival, Los Angeles Animation Festival, Cardiff Animation Festival, Brighton International Animation Festival, Toronto Animation Arts Festival International, Dumbo Film Festival (New York) and Lift Off Global Network 2021 (Pinewood studios and Hollywood).
As a Palestinian, Checkpoint was a project that is extremely close to my heart, and managing and directing a group of 6 other team members was an invaluable experience, particularly during the pandemic. Directing the film taught me about the production-pipeline, as well as how to inspire others to become invested in the story we were telling, and why it was so important to tell.
I am a firm believer in animation and film as a powerful medium for conveying all types of stories, whether they be comedic, informative or emotional. I hope to continue to use film and animation to tell stores that shine a light on under-represented groups and individuals.