Waad al-Kateab

Celebrated for her compelling storytelling, Waad al-Kateab was born in 1991 in Aleppo, Syria and began her active years in filmmaking since the Syrian uprising in 2011. Known for her work in the documentary genre, her most notable film is "For Sama" (2019), a heart-wrenching portrayal of the Syrian conflict, which has won numerous awards including the Prix L'Œil d'Or for Best Documentary at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. Her authorial style is characterized by her intimate and humanizing depictions of war, often capturing scenes of everyday life amid chaos and destruction.

Waad al-Kateab is not just a filmmaker; she is a brave voice bringing to light the harsh realities of war-torn Syria, and through her lens, she gives a voice to those who are often left unheard.