Zeinah AlQahwaji is an award-winning Syrian filmmaker, director, and producer. She has worked on a range of films, both shorts and feature-length, and has established herself as a talented director of both documentary and fiction films.
AlQahwaji was born in Aleppo, Syria in 1985. She earned her bachelor's degree in filmmaking from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus. After graduating, she moved to Dubai where she began her career in the film industry.
AlQahwaji has directed a variety of short films, including 'The White Vase' (2007), 'The Bus Stop' (2010), 'The Door' (2012), and 'The Swimmer' (2013). These films have been widely acclaimed and have earned her several awards, including the Bronze Palm Award at the Mexico International Film Festival.
In 2014, AlQahwaji directed her first feature-length film, 'The Return to Homs'. The film follows the story of a group of young activists during the Syrian uprising and their attempts to take back their city. The film won the Grand Prix for Best Documentary at the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
AlQahwaji has also directed several fiction films, including 'The Crossing' (2017), 'The Journey' (2018), and 'The Tower' (2019). These films have earned her international recognition for her artistic vision and storytelling abilities.
AlQahwaji's films have been screened at film festivals around the world, including the Toronto International Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival, and the Venice Film Festival. Her work has been praised for its humanity, its insight into the struggles of everyday people, and its powerful storytelling.
Today, AlQahwaji continues to tell stories that push boundaries and challenge the status quo. She is an acclaimed filmmaker and a powerful voice for the stories of her homeland and its people.
