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MENA Arts UK is an organisation that supports Middle Eastern and North African professionals and artists in the live and performing arts. This includes Theatre, TV and Film. You will find our MENA directory, our events and resources here. winners announced now booking lunchtime chats with the Arab British Centre book your free ticket here sound mixer lighting designer teacher fight director actor writer designer production manager singer director composer sound mixer lighting designer teacher fight director actor writer designer production manager singer director composer sound mixer lighting designer teacher fight director actor writer designer production manager singer director composer our free newsletter Every fortnight we’ll send info on upcoming opportunities, announcements and news of interest to MENA+ people in the industry. get our free newsletter * these fields are required submit I accept terms & conditions. View terms here. who we are A new arts organisation for UK-based professionals who are connected to the MENA+ region (Middle East, North Africa and the surrounding area). we celebrate the talent of our membership. strive to be at the heart of conversations around our identity. be our own support network. lobby for the appropriate representation. advocate for change to increase access and opportunities for employment. find out more our directory For too long people have said ‘If only we could find a (fill in the blank) from the MENA region. We are here and it’s time to be seen. Our directory aims to list the MENA+ arts professionals currently working in the UK live and recorded Arts. This includes - but is not limited to - creatives, technicians and academics. directory MENA+ explained If you like what we are doing, please consider making a donation. No amount is too small.

You can have a quick view of your MENA Arts profile and share this link with others Anchor 1 our directory: single view hold on please, we are working on it... back list view grid view xxx found. (and list) or no go clear filter Sale Sale Sale Sale bring to the top...* * by those who choose to self identify Kilercioglu Aaron Angaoi Abdulaziz Zakarian Abi Burke Ada Continue Continue Anchor 2 Continue film, radio, gaming, music, opera, dance, animation, theatre, tv . add to shortlist add to shortlist Share Link Copied recent credit: biography: training / skills: straight trans-male nuro-diverse Greater London Continue report linkedIn insta email back up

You can have a quick view of your MENA Arts profile and share this link with others Anchor 1 our directory: grid view list view clear filter Sale go bring to the top...* Sale single view xxx found. (and list) or no Sale * by those who choose to self identify προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα film, radio, gaming, music, opera, dance, animation, theatre, tv report cf0db30d-bae7-461f-9231-d86944896d4a Ανοιξε 101366 Abi προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Zakarian Armenia, Iraq English theatre, tv, radio writer Abi is an award-winning British-Armenian writer for stage, radio, TV and film. She is originally from the East Midlands and is now based in London. report 6a65f2e3-df33-4177-8f1f-9e940169a213 Ανοιξε 942071 Adi προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Gortler Hila Tomer Israel Hebrew, English theatre, opera, tv, film choreographer, director, dramaturg, educator, intimacy director, movement director, performer, writer Adi is a London-based movement director (Royal Court, Jermyn Street, Park Theatre, LAMDA), teacher (LAMDA, RCSSD, W/S), and director (The Arab-Hebrew Theatre, Haifa International Children’s Festival) report eb4bff6f-53fd-4ff8-ac44-76e5649b3a1d Ανοιξε 850982 Ahmad προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Sakhi Michael shelford Afghanistan Dari Persian, Dari Persian - Herat, Pashtun, English film, theatre, tv, gaming, radio actor Ahmad is a British Afghan actor, fluent in dari and based in London/ Manchester report befdf007-8781-4844-9681-d7ed7ce03fc0 Ανοιξε 584169 Aida προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Golghazi Mark Hillyer Iran Farsi, English, German film, theatre, tv, music actor, voice over artist I'm a Persian actress and writer born in Hamburg and I speak fluent Farsi, English and native German. report 7fb4f8c7-e8d4-43b0-b951-bebff2e9ecc7 Ανοιξε 205412 Ala προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Buisir Libya Arabic - Libyan, English film, tv artist, assistant director, director, editor, lighting, producer, stills photographer, videographer I grew up in tough situations. I try to bring somewhat of a change through my art by telling stories. I am currently doing my PhD on breaking stereotypes of Muslim women through visual arts. report 2ddf38bc-7c8a-43a7-b60b-7e9e837a04c5 Ανοιξε 180488 Alex προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Kais Michael Carlo Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine Arabic, Arabic - Lebanese, English theatre, music, film, tv actor, artist, educator, performer, producer, singer Alex Kais is a Canadian born actor who is half Lebanese and half Jordanian. He has a passion for singing and acting and loves bringing art to life through the world of theatre. report 4770462d-c498-423a-9426-f2202f1b66ff Ανοιξε 270720 Alexandra προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Boulton Harry Livingstone Türkiye English, French Mandarin theatre, film, tv, radio, gaming, animation actor, voice over artist (+ home studio), voice over artist, writer, writer screen British-Turkish-American actor, writer & voiceover artist with home studio report 6b6a8ca7-0723-4864-961d-2c6401db6fd4 Ανοιξε 709279 Ali προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Azhar Anna Rakhvalova Morocco Arabic, Arabic - Moroccan/Darija, English, French, Spanish film, tv, theatre actor, dancer Hello, I hope this finds you well. I'm Ali Azhar, a French-Moroccan actor based in London. Looking forward to hear from you! Kind regards, Ali. report a5d9f211-2684-431a-8b15-a8b8c406699d Ανοιξε 130328 Ali προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Taie Egypt, Iraq Arabic - Egyptian, Arabic - Iraqi, English theatre, gaming musician, sound An Iraqi-born sound designer from a music background, with interest and experience in electronic microtonal music, and experimental sound design report 28b5d819-4491-4bc3-8e0e-c863ae0b0f28 Ανοιξε 843168 Aaron προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Kilercioglu Türkiye Turkish - Standard/Istanbul, English, German film, theatre, tv director, dramaturg, videographer, writer Turkish Writer & Director for stage & screen. report cf7fc303-bd47-4f06-8028-63bf02f63557 Ανοιξε 898348 Ada προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Burke Kirill Kozlov Türkiye Turkish - Standard/Istanbul, English film, theatre, tv actor, performer, voice over artist Actress, Voiceover Artist, Performer report d43bc1f3-c6ec-4f00-a278-607b0a618892 Ανοιξε 536247 Afsaneh προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Gray Rosemary Rance Iran English, French opera, radio, theatre, tv writer Afsaneh is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter of dual Iranian/British Jewish heritage, born in the UK. report 7edbb04e-a118-49c9-80dc-5b1ac8058ba1 Ανοιξε 539806 Ahmed προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Hamad Steve Lawton Saudi Arabia, Sudan Arabic, Arabic - Sudanese, English theatre, film, tv actor, dancer, musician, singer puppeteer Ahmed was born in Saudi Arabia to Sudanese parents. Since moving to the UK at the age of 1, Ahmed trained at ArtsEd and is now an actor based in London. report 0221c610-4ab2-4018-9284-7f6b8f7c0b1b Ανοιξε 253356 Ajjaz προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Awad-Ibrahim Sudan English theatre, tv, gaming, film, radio actor, assistant director, dancer, director, singer, voice over artist, voice over artist (+ home studio), writer Puppeteer I am a mixed British and East African creative, born and raised in Brixton. When not making theatre, I love dancing flamenco/salsa and playing with my puppets. report ecdc1f3c-3143-4c96-b731-29c771c3d382 Ανοιξε 548920 Alaa προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Alsaraji Iran, Iraq Arabic - Iraqi, English, German theatre artist, educator illustrator, designer Alaa is a London-based visual artist, illustrator, designer and creative facilitator. report ac7fc319-cec7-4b8b-8814-c01601deacb1 Ανοιξε 867853 Alex James προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Nicola Tim Mowbray Cyprus Cypriot Greek, Cypriot Greek Modern Standard, Greek, English film, theatre, tv actor, educator, writer Over his 20 year career in the industry, Alex has appeared in over 80 productions, across film and stage. report 4068f529-5856-4001-a7b6-a94ab3f6fb44 Ανοιξε 478193 Alexandra προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Kambanella YellowBelly Cyprus Cypriot Greek, Cypriot Greek Modern Standard, English theatre, tv, film actor, performer, voice over artist Alexandra is British-Cypriot actor, born & raised in London and graduated from Rose Bruford College in 2021. report 739eb61d-76f7-45fe-a134-cce6a74161ec Ανοιξε 797002 Ali προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Al-Jamri Ali Al-Jamri Bahrain Arabic, Arabic - Bahraini, English theatre editor, educator, poet, press & marketing, producer, translator, writer Poet, Producer, Editor, Facilitator, Writer, Translator. Bahraini. Manchester. Arabic/English. SWANA. report 91237c4a-60ea-4fbc-b731-706e05c605ae Ανοιξε 805891 Ali Cihan προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Yilmaz cihan Türkiye Turkish - Standard/Istanbul, English film, tv, music camera dept cinematographer Hello, I am a London based Cinematographer / Camera Operator with creative eye for detail and dedication to quality work. I have 20 years experiences as a camera ast., focus puller, camera opt.and Cinematographer report 88acc40a-065b-44fb-a5a5-61fb270f6a34 Ανοιξε 239892 Abdulaziz προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Angaoi Abdulaziz Angaoi Jordan, Palestine Arabic, Arabic - Jordanian, Arabic - Lebanese, Arabic - Levantine/Shami, Arabic - Palestinian, English film, radio, theatre, tv actor, dialect coach, editor, educator, poet, translator, voice coach, voice over artist, writer I am a teacher trainer, interpreter, subtler, content writer, voice actor, novelist, editor, script write, dialect coach. Cultural sensitivity trainer for Arabic-English. report 92c868dd-e75f-4d20-95db-0877ab8b33fc Ανοιξε 649751 Adam προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Seridji YellowBellyPhoto Algeria English theatre, tv, film actor, poet Actor and Spoken Word Artist from South London. report 2a8c6cfc-b2fc-4582-81b2-0489498d3c0a Ανοιξε 237842 Afsaneh προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Dehrouyeh YellowBellyPhoto Iran Dari Persian, Farsi, English film, theatre, tv, radio actor, voice over artist (+ home studio) Afsaneh is a British Iranian actor, fluent in Farsi and based in London. report 0a851f1c-5659-4778-a532-697fdf353d0c Ανοιξε 521096 Ahmet προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Ahmet Katie Cotterell Cyprus, Türkiye Turkish - Cypriot, Turkish - Standard/Istanbul, English theatre assistant director, co-ordinator, educator, movement director, producer Youth director I am theatre and cultural leader working in both the UK theatre sector and education. report fc72972f-6d4a-487e-b04e-d7a318d5a937 Ανοιξε 521932 Akin προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Gazi Luca Teuchmann Cyprus, Türkiye Turkish - Cypriot, English film, radio, theatre, tv actor, voice over artist, writer Actor/Writer born in London with Turkish Cypriot heritage. report b0f4a4a4-d505-49df-9c3e-b35aa726e619 Ανοιξε 275600 Alan προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Mehdizadeh Andy Brown Iran, Kurdistan English film, theatre, tv actor, casting director, performer, singer, voice over artist, voice over artist (+ home studio) British-Iranian actor, and now agent. Having performed on stage & screen, I now run the agency Avenue Management report 551b4c91-9e1d-4c8a-80a0-51031de4e56c Ανοιξε 584148 Alexander προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Bittar Lebanon Arabic - Lebanese, English, French film, radio, theatre, tv actor, performer, writer stage Hello, I'm Alexander, a French-English-Lebanese actor/writer living in London. I love to collaborate with my work, and am very receptive to working on projects together so please do not hesitate to reach out! report bd08dfff-18a3-4add-b711-7355aa98962c Ανοιξε 342311 Alfred προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Clay Iran, Oman English film, theatre, tv actor Born in England to an English father. My mother, is rather polyethnic. She was born in Zanzibar, Tanzania and the blood she carries comes from Tanzania, Iran, Oman and Nomads. I am an Arab-Afro-Anglo. report 75750f92-c8be-4138-bbb9-4955c883dca7 Ανοιξε 110859 Ali προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Barouti Frances Bell Morocco Arabic - Moroccan/Darija, English film, theatre, tv actor, voice over artist Actor born in London with a Moroccan Heritage. report 6192010f-3d28-43c4-94e6-b23165fad459 Ανοιξε 645567 Alistair προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Chekaoui Algeria English, French film director, producer, writer British-Algerian writer-director. Currently looking for Arabic/Middle Eastern ACTOR for lead role in feature film BIRDCAGE. Oskaar runs away from his repressive family life to join an all-accepting camp in the woods report 37ad6c3e-6720-47c0-b69d-82f004d8792c Ανοιξε 287131 show more back up

You can have a quick view of your MENA Arts profile and share this link with others Anchor 1 our directory: list view back single view grid view hold on please, we are working on it... xxx found. (and list) or no go clear filter Sale Sale Sale Sale bring to the top...* * by those who choose to self identify report προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα cf0db30d-bae7-461f-9231-d86944896d4a 101366 Aaron Kilercioglu Turkish Writer & Director for stage & screen. report director, dramaturg, videographer, writer προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα cf7fc303-bd47-4f06-8028-63bf02f63557 898348 Abdulaziz Angaoi Abdulaziz Angaoi I am a teacher trainer, interpreter, subtler, content writer, voice actor, novelist, editor, script write, dialect coach. Cultural sensitivity trainer for Arabic-English. report actor, dialect coach, editor, educator, poet, translator, voice coach, voice over artist, writer προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα 92c868dd-e75f-4d20-95db-0877ab8b33fc 649751 Abi Zakarian Abi is an award-winning British-Armenian writer for stage, radio, TV and film. She is originally from the East Midlands and is now based in London. report writer προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα 6a65f2e3-df33-4177-8f1f-9e940169a213 942071 Kirill Kozlov Ada Burke Actress, Voiceover Artist, Performer report actor, performer, voice over artist προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα d43bc1f3-c6ec-4f00-a278-607b0a618892 536247 YellowBellyPhoto Adam Seridji Actor and Spoken Word Artist from South London. report actor, poet προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα 2a8c6cfc-b2fc-4582-81b2-0489498d3c0a 237842 Hila Tomer Adi Gortler Adi is a London-based movement director (Royal Court, Jermyn Street, Park Theatre, LAMDA), teacher (LAMDA, RCSSD, W/S), and director (The Arab-Hebrew Theatre, Haifa International Children’s Festival) report choreographer, director, dramaturg, educator, intimacy director, movement director, performer, writer προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα eb4bff6f-53fd-4ff8-ac44-76e5649b3a1d 850982 Rosemary Rance Afsaneh Gray Afsaneh is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter of dual Iranian/British Jewish heritage, born in the UK. report writer προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα 7edbb04e-a118-49c9-80dc-5b1ac8058ba1 539806 YellowBellyPhoto Afsaneh Dehrouyeh Afsaneh is a British Iranian actor, fluent in Farsi and based in London. report actor, voice over artist (+ home studio) προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα 0a851f1c-5659-4778-a532-697fdf353d0c 521096 Michael shelford Ahmad Sakhi Ahmad is a British Afghan actor, fluent in dari and based in London/ Manchester report actor προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα befdf007-8781-4844-9681-d7ed7ce03fc0 584169 Steve Lawton Ahmed Hamad Ahmed was born in Saudi Arabia to Sudanese parents. Since moving to the UK at the age of 1, Ahmed trained at ArtsEd and is now an actor based in London. report actor, dancer, musician, singer puppeteer προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα 0221c610-4ab2-4018-9284-7f6b8f7c0b1b 253356 Katie Cotterell Ahmet Ahmet I am theatre and cultural leader working in both the UK theatre sector and education. report assistant director, co-ordinator, educator, movement director, producer Youth director προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα fc72972f-6d4a-487e-b04e-d7a318d5a937 521932 back up show more

This is your unique MENA Arts UK profile page that you can share Share Link Copied members area edit your page first Heading 2 last name photo credit statement sector area of work other area of work recent credit latest jobb training skills craft biography Heading 2 languages languaages other languages region base class straight trans-male nuro-diverse agent name agent web agent email linkedIn insta email other contact

Learn how to support the work of MENA Arts UK. With your support, we can continue to offer meaningful and lasting support for UK professionals working in the live and recorded arts, connected to Middle East, North Africa, and the surrounding area. support us many reasons to give. “Just wanted to thank you again- I just had my first creative nonfiction piece published by The New Statesman. had you not informed me of a writing chance in the newsletter I would not have applied for it and I wouldn’t find myself on this new creative journey. So many thanks for MENA and underrepresented voices to be heard" - Anonymous Dec 2021 We have just come to the end of our first season of work. In a short 8 months, we have launched a new organization with a steering group, professional directory, fortnightly newsletter, and a series of town halls, workshops, and eight new commissioned films from our membership. Thousands of people have engaged with us from around the UK and our impact has been felt internationally. We have started to change hearts and minds, reminding the UK live and recording arts that we are here. And our members have had new opportunities because we have been able to make connections in ways that have never been possible before. The small grants we have already been awarded from the Film and TV Charity, and Arts Council England are very welcome, but they only go so far. We need to do more and be able to provide more exciting programming in the future. This is why we are launching a campaign to raise £20,000. Raising these funds will allow MENA Arts UK to continue the exciting and crucial journey we have embarked on. It will allow us to provide our membership with more events, commission more exciting work from our MENA+ communities, and provide us with support in the day-to-day costs of running an arts organisation like ours. We would not be able to do any of this work were it not for you. No amount is too small and any amount helps! We thank you for your support. our Go Fund Me page our Olive Friends Scheme

Read our evaluation report by Gregory Nash on our first year of activity, including our launch, new film commission competition and new directory evaluation by Gregory Nash on our first year of activity

MENA Arts UK has commissioned eight, one-minute films. Watch them here. film commissions In December 20 20 we invited artists and filmmakers across the UK to conceive a new one-minute film, exploring the question: How should the MENA+ arts community celebrate what we have in common? The result is eight enchanting, joyful, and thought-provoking films spanning animation, music, poetry, dance, installation and comedy. missed our live launch event? watch that here. watch all 8 films in our selected order digital programme here subtitles in English audio described subtitles in a language of the filmmakers' choosing or watch all 8 films individually A Cube in Love by Majid Adin A Cube In Love tells a symbolic story of a journey from ancient wisdom to love, from love to truth, and truth to creation. Majid Adin studied fine art and animation in Iran, where he was arrested because of the political nature of his work. He fled his country and arrived in the UK in 2016. He now lives in London and works as an artist. He won a prestigious competition to create the official music video for Sir Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’. He is currently working on his first graphic novel, ‘Hamid and Shakespeare’ which will be published in April 2021. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Farsi audio described extra version: narration in Farsi Mrs El Araby by May Ziadé Mrs El Araby explores the restricted space within which Arab women are allowed to exist in white Western media. May Ziade is French-Lebanese and works on other people's films and her own. She has written stories and poems that were adapted into comics and short films, and worked as a producer’s assistant on high-budget productions. She is currently working on her first short-film, 'Neo-Nahda'. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Classical Arabic audio described Intimate Births by Bint Mbareh Mushrooms facilitate death in many ecosystems: they ensure death is a transformation rather than an ending. Bint Mbareh's film juxtaposes this momentous event - dying - with shared everyday places and acts to posit that death/transformation is a daily practice and can be conducive to growth if it is removed from taboo. Bint Mbareh is a first-time filmmaker with experience in television production, songwriting and an interest in sound. Her most recent research was an exploration of how rain-summoning song and ritual in Palestine acted and may continue to act as a ritual of time-bending. Several installations and performances down the line, the singer was offered the MENA Arts UK grant to explore death with the Palestinian sonic and musical tradition in mind. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Palestinian Arabic audio described Robin Clewle Kiss Between Our Borders by Amina Atiq Kiss Between our Borders is a metaphorical & historical love story between an Ethiopian coffee plant and Yemeni farmer. Home lives between our walls and it never left - we left home. Amina Atiq is a Yemeni–Scouse poet, performance artist and activist. Award winning for her active & community engagement work, Curious Minds Young Associate for and BBC Words First Finalist 19. She is currently writing her first one-woman show, Broken Biscuits to explore her gran-mothers 1970s Yemeni- Scouse household to untangle what it means to be British. She is currently a remote writer in residence with Queensland Poetry Festival and Metal Southend. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Yemeni Arabic audio described Unveil Your Eyes by Maral Mamaghanizadeh Unveil Your Eyes is the expression of my experience as a Deaf refugee moving to the UK, acknowledging that I still see my life and my home town of Birmingham through the lens and experiences of my upbringing in Iran and the Middle East. Maral Mamaghanizadeh is a Deaf Iranian artist. Her work explores the barriers she encounters in everyday life, being Deaf, female and a refugee. Maral communicates through her artworks, combining feminism and cultural politics. In 2017, Maral became a political refugee as her work, ‘The Politics of Voice; The Tale of Tresses’ directly challenged the patriarchal society in Iran. Her work continues to challenge stereotypes, break boundaries and open people’s hearts and minds. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Farsi audio described Third Culture Glitch by Jida Akil Third Culture Glitch is an interpretation of reconnecting with cultural roots as a foreigner to one's heritage. The film visualises the process of exploring cultural heritage–in my case Syria–through model-making and stop-motion. Jida Akil is a Syrian/Lebanese early-career theatre designer currently based between London & Cyprus. She designs set & costume for both theatre and dance with a design-led devising approach. The themes of her work often revolve around political and socio-economic issues which also explore dramaturgy inspired by lived experience. Jida is currently completing her bachelor's degree in Performance Design at Central Saint Martins. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Classical Arabic audio described Darbouka by Nooriyah Qais Darbouka is a physical conversation between three Middle Eastern and North African dancers who are geographically separate yet connected by the beat of the drums. Celebrating three dance disciplines that express different parts of their identities, they unite through the heartbeat of the region, the darbouka. Nooriyah Qais is a DJ, presenter and filmmaker. As a DJ, she is known for playing upbeat popular records infused with Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) sounds, paying homage to her heritage. She is currently a MENA specialist resident at Foundation FM and Plus 1 Radio. As a filmmaker, she explores the themes of home, culture and gender with films showcased at the V&A Museum, Liverpool Arab Arts festival and more. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Modern Standard Arabic audio described extra version: final credits in Arabic Ray Roberts The Art of Uprising by Peyvand Sadeghian The Art of Uprising is a celebration of the ability amongst diasporic artists to imagine different futures. Peyvand Sadeghian is an Actor, Puppeteer and Theatre Maker born, bred and based in London to Iranian and Chinese parents. Recent credits include: DUAL دوگانه (Vault Festival Show of the Week 2020), Rich Kids: A History of Shopping Malls in Tehran (Fringe First 2019). Although she has experience in front of the screen, this will be her first time making a short film. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Farsi audio described Our thanks go to our judges: Sabrina Mahfouz (playwright/poet), Hannah Khalil (playwright), Saeed Taji Farouky (film director), Sepy Baghaei (theatre director, head judge, and MENA Arts UK co-vice chair). If you like what we are doing, please consider making a donation. No amount is too small.

sign our open letter click to sign On March 23rd 2021, Focus Features announced that it had picked up worldwide distribution rights to Timur Bekmambetov’s thriller Profile , a film which first premiered in 2018. It tells the following story: ‘An undercover British journalist infiltrates the online propaganda channels of the so-called Islamic State, only to be sucked in by her recruiter.’ 9th April 2021 #EnoughIsEnough For the attention of Focus Features (distributors), Timur Bekmambetov (director, co-writer, producer), Mariya Zatulovskaya, Igor Tsay, Rick Sobalvarro and Adam Sidman (executive producers). We’re not surprised that a film like Profile exists. There is growing statistical evidence and research to support what our communities have always anecdotally known to be true: there is an obvious media bias towards narratives about Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian and Muslim people which centre war, oppression, displacement, and terrorism. What’s disappointing is that despite the widespread societal reckoning with systemic racism following the Black Lives Matter movement and Stop Asian Hate campaign, Focus Features has decided to acquire Profile for worldwide distribution next month - three years after the film originally premiered in 2018. This is a glaring example of opportunistic profiteering which contradicts Focus Features’ stated mission to “inspire human connection” through diverse storytelling. Just because Profile is based on the true story of a journalistic investigation does not mean this subject needs to be revisited - yet again. Radicalisation has destroyed lives and destabilised countries. We don’t need to “wait and see” the film to know that it will not meaningfully address the complex socioeconomic causes of radicalisation in young people. The marketing alone relies on damaging tropes without any regard for the harm this will cause. When audiences only know to associate us with violence and oppression, it becomes easier for politicians to subject us to inhumane immigration enforcement , disproportionate surveillance and religious persecution through blatantly racist and Islamophobic legislation. A terrorist character doesn’t amount to racism or Islamophobia, but we need to consider Profile within the repetitive media spotlighting of narratives which foster prejudice and hate towards our communities. Every negative portrayal - and there are far more than most people realise - chips away at our humanity and safety while reinforcing our perceived “otherness”. USC Annenberg’s study into Inequality in 1300 popular films between 2007-2019 found that the prevalence of Middle Eastern and North African characters on screen was never higher than 3.4% . Only 1.9% of Netflix’s original series creators were from Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds. In 2018 (when Profile premiered), 47% of all religious hate crime offences registered in England and Wales targeted Muslims . When the statistics are so abysmal, it’s never been more urgent to counter decades of hateful representation with nuanced narratives. We hope that Focus Features uses this opportunity to reflect and reconsider their distribution of Profile . It’s time for creators, commissioners and media gatekeepers to reevaluate their hiring practices in order to help rewrite the narrative. There are many organisations, including MENA Arts UK, advocating for artists who are ready to tell stories that inspire, celebrate and spotlight our rich cultural diversity. Enough is enough. sources: Focus Features takes world on Timur Bekmambetov ISIS thriller ‘Profile’ Terrorists & Tyrants: Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Actors in Prime Time & Streaming Television From mute to menacing: why TV's portrayal of Muslims still falls short Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies A People Home Office to send more asylum seekers to ‘unsuitable’ Napier barracks Calls grow for Bloomberg to apologise for surveillance of Muslims Colonial mindset is behind France’s latest attempt to ban the hijab USC Annenberg Study: Inequality in 1300 popular films between 2007 - 2019 Inclusion in Netflix Original U.S. Scripted Series & Films Home Office Hate Crime Report 2018 - 2019 click to sign signed by: title / organisation Sola Adeyemi Lecturer Zambrine saeed Graphic designer Niranjana rajesh Student MR DAVID M MUMENI Actor/Writer Laila Abdo Actor, Writer Ahmed Mohamed Shawky Mohamed Aka ( Aki Shawky) Filmmaker/ camera man / Production assistant PA Marwa Morgan Journalist Nabra Nelson Director and playwright Brandon Kirk Set Dresser Soumia Fares Design Researcher Sara Marhamo Kirk Costume Draper Ruba Mansouri Actor Dina El-Aziz Costume Designer N AL Student: University Fatima Serghini Writer Zoey Cronin student Reyna Christine Moniz ____ Emily Holmes Student Rumayssa Student Maaheen Adnan Health care worker view more names click to sign

MENA Arts UK are a support group for Middle Eastern and North African professionals in the live and performing arts. We support, celebrate and advocate for our community. who we are We have developed our Vision, Mission and Objectives, click through to read them. mission statement value statement our steering group see the full list here Laila Alj Laïla is an actor from Casablanca, Morocco. She moved to London 10 years ago to pursue an MA at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Prior to that, she lived in the States where she studied theatre at Northwestern University. The Steering Group Our excellence is rooted in our d iversity. The small steering group of six are diverse in age, experience and work in many different art forms as directors, writers, actors and producers. Some are recent graduates, and others are established cultural leaders . Scroll through to read more about us.

Page Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Button This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Members Notice Baord Newsletter 87, MENA/SWANA Celebration with RCSSD & more! 22.03.2024 Mar 22, 2024 Newsletter 86, BAPAM offer & more! 08.03.2024 Mar 8, 2024 Newsletter 85, News, Opportunities & more! 23.02.2024 Feb 23, 2024 Newsletter 84, RCSSD Survey, Opportunities & more! 09.02.2024 Feb 9, 2024 Newsletter 83, The EU Killed My Dad Q&A, Members Screening & other opportunities, 26.01.2024 Jan 26, 2024 Newsletter 82, Our first newsletter of the year, 12.01.2024 Jan 12, 2024 Newsletter 81, Our last newsletter of the year, 08.12.2023 Dec 8, 2023 Newsletter 80, Our Third Birthday event & more, 24.11.2023 Nov 24, 2023 Newsletter 79, Show Up & Write, Group Support sessions & more, 10.11.2023 Nov 10, 2023 Newsletter 78, Support group sessions for directory members & more, 27.10.2023 Oct 27, 2023 Newsletter 77, Check it out & other offers, 13.10.2023 Oct 13, 2023 Newsletter 76, Creative Huddle & fantastic show offers!, 29.09.2023 Sep 29, 2023 1 2 3 4 5

Add your support to what we do here. Join our Olive Friends Scheme. be a friend our Go Fund Me page Before we decided to call ourselves MENA Arts UK we spent a lot of time talking about the simple things that bring us all together, such as our culture, music and food. For all of us Olives evoked family, comfort and community. To grow and expand our community and to achieve our ambitious plans, we are excited to launch our Founding Friends’ Olive Scheme for 2023. A one off payment will make you an: OLIVE LEAF: £50+ 20 x donors keep our website up and running. 10 x donors would make our newsletter happen for a year OLIVE BRANCH: £250+ 5 x donors would allow us to host three town hall events 5 x donors would allow us to pay project managers for our next season OLIVE TREE: £1000+ 5 x donors would allow us to pay project managers for our next season Come and be part of our story right from the beginning! All of our donors will be entitled to the following: Advanced priority bookings to all of our events Invitation to an annual meeting with our chair and steering group Acknowledgement of your support on our website and digital programmes Friends Membership email updates Your support is crucial to help MENA Arts UK survive and deliver on our promise to our membership: to become an integral and important part of the UK live and recorded arts scene. We hope you can join us as a Founding Friend of MENA Arts UK. Donations can be made via our GO FUND ME page. Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss alternative ways to make your donation. We thank you in advance. Our door is always open; please get in touch if there is anything you would like to share with us or discuss. Warm regards, Philip Arditti Head of Fundraising philip@menaarts.uk

New Associateship with MENA ARTS UK and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Embargoed until 10.00 on Wednesday 27 March 2024 The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and MENA Arts UK Announce Associateship The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Central) and MENA Arts UK are pleased to announce a new associateship which will work to promote and celebrate MENA/SWANA voices and to strengthen links between higher education arts training and the industry. The associateship will seek areas of collaboration between the two organisations, including celebrating the work of MENA/SWANA artists and practitioners including students and alumni. As part of the newly formed associateship, Central will host MENA Arts UK’s MENA/SWANA Celebration Performance Series at the School on 5 and 6 April 2024. The two-day celebration of the work of MENA/SWANA Central alumni and students will include an evening of performance and Q&As followed by a day of workshops and installations. Performers for the first evening include Youness Bouzinab, Fatima Serghini, Mai Weisz, Alia Lahlou, Mohab Kaddah, Laïla Alj and Lanna Joffrey with work presented on day two by Adi Gortler, Mohab Kaddah, Farokh Soltani, Amirah Samer, Lanna Joffrey, Lama Amine and Sepy Baghaei. Central’s Principal and Chief Executive Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE said: “We are delighted to announce our associateship with MENA Arts UK, and to plan for our future work with the MENA/SWANA artists and practitioners – many of whom are Central alumni – that make up this vast network. We are particularly pleased to celebrate this new relationship by hosting the MENA Arts UK Celebration and Performance Series here at Central, and to bring this important work to our student and staff communities. May this be the first of many more exciting collaborations to come!” Kerry Kyriacos Michael, MENA Arts UK’s Director, said: “We are so much looking forward to working with Josette and her team at the School. Our aim is for MENA/SWANA professionals to shape and thrive in live and recorded arts in the UK, and Central’s invitation to work with their students and alumni is an exciting way to do just that.” Lanna Joffrey, MENA Arts UK Community Producer and Central Alumni (MA Acting Contemporary 2014) said: “Central has become a home I come back to again and again, supporting me as a multidisciplined artist. It is a welcoming home, committed to lifting up and celebrating its graduates past and present and, therefore, their artistic futures. This celebration is an expression of this commitment to highlight and showcase Central’s incredible MENA/SWANA talent.” Laïla Alj, MENA Arts UK Steering Group Member, Event Producer and Central Alumni (MA Acting for Screen 2011) said: “Central helped shape the artist I am today, and it’s inspiring to see the great work that our alumni and MENA/SWANA community have achieved. This associateship is an opportunity to make those ties stronger, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead.” The announcement marks MENA Arts UK as Central’s second associate company, alongside New Earth Theatre and with more announcements to follow in the coming months. Central’s associate companies form part of a series of key, strategic relationships which bring the institution closer to industry partners and deepen and expand the work of the School. ENDS Notes to Editors The MENA Arts UK MENA/SWANA Celebration Performance Series will be hosted at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama on 5 and 6 April 2024. To find out more about the event including a full list of performers and participants and to reserve a free ticket, please visit www.cssd.ac.uk/events/mena-swana-celebration For media enquiries please contact: Megan Hunter, Head of Press and Public Relations at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama on: megan.hunter@cssd.ac.uk About The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is a higher education conservatoire – a specialist college of the University of London which nurtures creative collaboration. Courses include acting, applied theatre, movement, musical theatre, drama & movement therapy, theatre & live performance, scenography, actor & teacher training, voice, technical arts & production, and writing for stage & broadcast media as well as a doctoral programme. With over 60 academic staff, together with visiting artists and lecturers, Central has the largest grouping of drama/theatre/performance specialists in the UK, an active, award-winning research culture and is a hub of innovation and engagement for the theatre and performance industries. www.cssd.ac.uk About MENA Arts MENA Arts is a UK-based not-for-profit Arts organisation for professionals who work in the Live & Recorded Arts and are connected to the Middle East, North Africa or the surrounding area.

The MENA Arts UK competition to designed to support emerging Middle Eastern and North African professionals in the performing and recorded arts. It will celebrate and showcase their work. competition time (is now closed) winners announcement here We are thrilled to announce a competition alongside the launch of our online directory . We will be commissioning eight artists (or teams of artists) with a connection to the Middle East, North Africa and surrounding areas to capture their work on film. Each winner will receive £1000 to create a one minute (60 seconds) work that is filmed, responding to the question: ‘How should the MENA+ arts community celebrate what we have in common?’ This commission is open to MENA+ artists working in any field. You don’t have to be a film-maker: you just have to be able to capture your work digitally. We encourage applications from all artists working in the live and recorded arts, whether you’re a poet, playwright, performer, director, musician, sound designer, dancer, film-maker, animator, multimedia artist, puppeteer - or anything else that can be captured on film. Recordings can be done through any medium (eg smartphone, camera, or digital software), although we would expect them to be of broadcast quality. Submissions are open to members of the MENA Arts UK directory. Signing up is free, and can be done here . (Please note: if applying as a team, each artist must be signed up to the database). We have assembled a panel of industry professionals to serve as judges and select the winning applicants. These are: Sepy Baghaei Hannah Khalil Sabrina Mahfouz Saeed Taji Farouky Richard Saker Simeon Qsyeaa Greg Morrison Dan Milnor The winning commissions will be released digitally in March 2021, alongside a Q&A with the artists behind each film. Applying Applications are now open until 29th December at 12pm . We will inform all app licants of the result of their applications on 11th January, 2021. Selected artists will have from 12th January to 15th February to create their work and send it to us. The commissioned works will be released digitally in March 2021. If you are thinking of applying, we have created an application pack that should tell you everything you need to know: For a PDF of the application pack, click For a word document version, click Click on the play icon to listen to an audio version here here 00:00 / 07:17 You can apply by filling out an online form. We recognise that written forms may not be suitable for everyone, so you can also apply via a voice recording OR a visual presentation. Details on what is required for each format is in the application pack. To apply: Click here to submit a written application form Click here to submit a voice recording application Click here to submit a visual application Contact If you have any questions about the commission, or if you’re not sure if this opportunity is right for you, please get in touch with Sepy Baghaei, head judge and Co-Vice Chair of MENA Arts UK at info@menaarts.uk

a new writing program at theatro technis @ 26 crowndale in assocation with hyphen artist collective Show Up and Write As our first residency initiative with Theatro Technis @26 Crowndale, MENA Arts UK is working with Hyphen Artist Collective to run in-person & online sessions for writers called : SHOW UP & WRITE A series of sessions where writers attend in-person or Zoom sessions and simply write for three hours and then come together for one hour to connect and discuss all things writing. Often our busy schedules distract us from finding time to commit to writing what we want to write. SHOW UP & WRITE gives us the chance to commit and stick to that commitment. Writing can be a lonely pursuit; this opportunity gives us a chance to write in a community. IN PERSON: Attend a 3-hour free-writing session at Theatro Technis (26 Crowndale Rd, NW1 1TT). Then come together for an additional hour to discuss all things writing: challenges & successes. We are capping the in-person sessions to 12 writers based on the space provided. ZOOM: Check in at the top of the session with a wave at 1pm. Microphones off for the 3-hour writing period, but we encourage you to keep your camera on to stay on task. Then stay after for the hour discussion. Zoom sessions will be capped at 30 writers. COST: No cost! Free to join! WHEN: Sunday, February 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th 2023 1pm to 4pm: Writing - 4pm to 5pm: Community session/discussion Discussions will be facilitated by MENA Arts UK Steering Group & Hyphen Artist Collective members. Please try to be available for all sessions, but we understand if you need to miss one. HOW TO APPLY: We welcome all MENA+ writers and/or writers with a “hyphenated” artist skill set or cultural background to apply. Writers of all levels and experience are welcome. Please email HyphenArtistCollective@gmail.com sharing a bit about yourself with your contact information and whether you wish to attend in-person or Zoom sessions. We’d love to hear about what you’re working on or the challenges/successes you’re facing in the UK Arts Industry.

MENA Arts UK latest news on our competition winners, including our eight artists and their work. competition winners Sepy Baghaei, an Iranian theatre director who serves as Co-Vice Chair for MENA Arts UK announces our winners: “We received 53 applications for the competition, and were blown away by the high standard, creativity and ambition of all the ideas submitted. Our winning eight ideas are an eclectic mix, and feature animation, set design, poetry and music. Their makers are from all around the country - including Liverpool and the West Midlands - and are connected to MENA regions including Iran, Palestine, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. I am so excited to see these films come to life, and to share their celebrations of MENA+ identity with a wider audience.” top row left to right Amina Atiq Photo credit: Robin Clewle Bint Mbareh Jida Akil Majid Adin bottom row left to right Maral Mamaghanizadeh May Ziade Nooriyah Qais Peyvand Sadeghian Photo credit: Ray Roberts watch the films here Amina Atiq is a Yemeni–Scouse poet, performance artist and activist. Award winning for her active & community engagement work, Curious Minds Young Associate for and BBC Words First Finalist 19. She is currently writing her first one-woman show, Broken Biscuits to explore her gran-mothers 1970s Yemeni- Scouse household to untangle what it means to be British. She is currently a remote writer in residence with Queensland Poetry Festival and Metal Southend. Bint Mbareh is a first-time filmmaker with experience in television production, songwriting and an interest in sound. Her most recent research was an exploration of how rain-summoning song and ritual in Palestine acted and may continue to act as a ritual of time-bending. Several installations and performances down the line, the singer was offered the MENA Arts UK grant to explore death with the Palestinian sonic and musical tradition in mind. Jida Akil is a Syrian/Lebanese early-career theatre designer currently based between London & Cyprus. She designs set & costume for both theatre and dance with a design-led devising approach. The themes of her work often revolve around political and socio-economic issues which also explore dramaturgy inspired by lived experience. Jida is currently completing her bachelor's degree in Performance Design at Central Saint Martins. Majid Adin studied fine art and animation in Iran, where he was arrested because of the political nature of his work. He fled his country and arrived in the UK in 2016. He now lives in London and works as an artist. He won a prestigious competition to create the official music video for Sir Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’. He is currently working on his first graphic novel, ‘Hamid and Shakespeare’ which will be published in April 2021. Maral Mamaghanizadeh is a Deaf Iranian artist. Her work explores the barriers she encounters in everyday life, being Deaf, female and a refugee. Maral communicates through her artworks, combining feminism and cultural politics. In 2017, Maral became a political refugee as her work, ‘The Politics of Voice; The Tale of Tresses’ directly challenged the patriarchal society in Iran. Her work continues to challenge stereotypes, break boundaries and open people’s hearts and minds. May Ziade is French-Lebanese and works on other people's films and her own. She has written stories and poems that were adapted into comics and short films, and worked as a producer’s assistant on high-budget productions. She is currently working on her first short-film, 'Neo-Nahda'. Nooriyah Qais is a DJ, presenter and filmmaker. As a DJ, she is known for playing upbeat popular records infused with Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) sounds, paying homage to her heritage. She is currently a MENA specialist resident at Foundation FM and Plus 1 Radio. As a filmmaker, she explores the themes of home, culture and gender with films showcased at the V&A Museum, Liverpool Arab Arts festival and more. Peyvand Sadeghian is an Actor, Puppeteer and Theatre Maker born, bred and based in London to Iranian and Chinese parents. Recent credits include: DUAL دوگانه (Vault Festival Show of the Week 2020), Rich Kids: A History of Shopping Malls in Tehran (Fringe First 2019). Although she has experience in front of the screen, this will be her first time making a short film. Our exciting panel of industry professionals judging panel also comprising of Sabrina Mahfouz (playwright/poet), Hannah Khalil (playwright), Saeed Taji Farouky (film director). This work has been supported by the Film and TV Charity and Arts Council England. read full press release here get our free newsletter * these fields are required submit I accept terms & conditions. View terms here. If you like what we are doing, please consider making a donation. No amount is too small.

MENA Arts UK have events that support, develop and grow Middle Eastern and North African live and performing arts professionals. Here will will find workshops, industry talks and developemnt oppurtunities for our community. comingsoon premiere this friday book to watch the films here read more about our film makers here

MENA Arts UK have events that support, develop and grow Middle Eastern and North African live and performing arts professionals. Here will will find workshops, industry talks and developemnt oppurtunities for our community. catch up with Abi Zakarian Abi Zakarian, an award-winning British-Armenian writer whose plays include Perfect Myth Allegory, produced by Jermyn Street Theatre; I am Karyan Ophidian, produced by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre; and Fabric, produced by Tremers for Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016, winning a Fringe First Award. In conversation with Jessie Bedrossian.

The MENA Arts UK runs workshops, town halls, Q&As with MENA+ professionals. Rewatch and read about past events here. look back at our past events here or read old newsletters here Creative Approaches to Music & Sound Design 6 December 2021 Access Training with 'Stand And Be Counted' 18 November 2021 Storytelling from Queer Perspectives 22 October 2021 friday hangout 3 with Amir El-Masry 5 March 2021 Smashing Stereotypes: a Comedy Workshop 4 December 2021 Inclusive MENA+ Stories for Children 15 November 2021 new film commission launch 26 March 2021 friday hangout 2 with Abi Zakarian 19 February 2021 Writing a Successful Ace Application 30 November 2021 DIY Intro to Stop Motion Animation 2 November 2021 friday hangout 4 with Khyam Allami 19 March 2021 8 film competition winners announced 15 February 2021