Ambient Light Films, a production company based in Los Angeles and Cairo, is furthering its commitment to supporting independent cinema in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The company recently announced six grants that it awarded to MENA filmmakers at the CineGouna Bridge project market during the El Gouna Film Festival held in December. These grants play a pivotal role in empowering filmmakers and amplifying their voices in the global film industry.
The grants provided by Ambient Light Films encompass a range of compelling narratives from talented MENA filmmakers. For Tunisian filmmaker Hinde Boujemaa, the cast grant for her film “Yammi” explores the devastating impact of a son’s grief on the women closest to him following his mother’s death. Lebanese director Dahlia Nemlich’s film “Assa, a Fish in a Bowl,” delves into the complex dynamics of a couple who hire an Ethiopian maid to care for their child, leading to unexpected consequences. These thought-provoking stories challenge societal norms and shed light on the human experience.
Other grant recipients include Lebanese director George Peter Barbari, whose film “So the Lover Could Come Out Again” explores the relationship between snipers against the backdrop of the Lebanese civil war. Amel Guellaty’s Tunisian road movie “Tunis-Djerba” takes audiences on a captivating journey through the different landscapes of Tunisia. Furthermore, Egyptian director Halal Galal’s “The 4 Choices of Albert” examines the life-altering decisions made by a man and the repercussions they have on his destiny. An undisclosed documentary from Yemen also received an in-kind grant, adding to the diversity of stories being supported by Ambient Light Films.
Ali El Arabi, the CEO of Ambient Light Films and an accomplished filmmaker himself, understands the challenges faced by emerging filmmakers in the MENA region. El Arabi’s own debut feature documentary, “Captains of Zaatari,” received a CineGouna grant in 2019 and went on to premiere at Sundance in 2021. Recognizing the impact of the support he received, El Arabi views the grants as a way of “paying forward” and nurturing the next generation of Arab and African filmmakers.
As a producer and filmmaker, El Arabi believes in going beyond the initial grants to provide ongoing support and opportunities for MENA filmmakers. He acknowledges that the voices from the Middle East and Africa are often underrepresented in the European and American markets. By investing in these filmmakers and their stories, he aims to bridge this gap and ensure their voices reach a global audience. El Arabi’s commitment to supporting the art and minds behind the films is a testament to his dedication to fostering a more inclusive and diverse film industry.
Ambient Light Films: Empowering MENA Filmmakers
Founded in 2016, Ambient Light Films has become a force in the MENA film industry, producing and co-producing both scripted and unscripted films. With a focus on empowering artists from the MENA region, the company aims to build bridges between this vibrant filmmaking community and the U.S. and European markets. By providing grants and support, Ambient Light Films plays a vital role in nurturing the growth of independent cinema in the MENA region and facilitating the exchange of ideas and stories on a global scale.
Ali El Arabi has not only made significant contributions to MENA cinema through Ambient Light Films but has also expanded his own creative endeavors. El Arabi recently completed his narrative feature film directorial debut, “52 Blue,” a stirring tale of a young Indian soccer fan’s eye-opening journey as a migrant worker at the Qatar World Cup. The film stars Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia and Adil Hussain from the acclaimed movie “Life of Pi.” Furthermore, El Arabi served as co-producer on Sudan’s second-ever Academy Awards submission, “Goodbye Julia,” directed by Mohamed Kordofani and lead produced by Amjad Abu Alala. The film, executive produced by Lupita Nyong’o, showcases the power of collaborations and the potential for MENA cinema to make an impact on the global stage.
Ali El Arabi’s commitment to supporting MENA filmmakers extends beyond the grants provided by Ambient Light Films. With representation through CAA, he is dedicated to advocating for the voices of the MENA region in the international film industry. Through his own experiences and the success of “Captains of Zaatari,” El Arabi understands the transformative power of support for emerging filmmakers. By amplifying their voices and facilitating their access to global markets, he continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse film industry.