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Portrait of Mai Masri

Mai Masri

Pioneering filmmaker documenting Palestinian life under occupation.

Born
1959
Born in
Amman, Jordan
Path
Arts
Read Mai’s story2 videosAsk about Mai

Why Mai is here

Acclaimed for her humanistic films focusing on women and children in conflict zones, particularly under Israeli occupation.

Their story

Palestinian filmmaker educated in the USA, known for her award-winning documentaries and feature films that provide a unique perspective on the lives of women and children in conflict situations.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Mai’s path.

  1. 1990

    Directed "Children of Fire," focusing on life under Israeli occupation.

  2. 1998

    Created "Children of Shatila," documenting life in a refugee camp.

  3. 2001

    Released "Frontiers of Dreams and Fears," exploring young Palestinian refugees' lives.

  4. 2015

    Debuted her feature film "3000 Nights," winning 24 international awards including the Youth Jury Award at Geneva’s International Film Festival.

  5. Received a Career Achievement Award at El Gouna Film Festival and delivered a masterclass titled ‘The Documentary Journey’.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Directed and produced award-winning films like "Under the Rubble," "Wild Flowers," and "War Generation-Beirut".

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  2. Films received international acclaim, including Best Documentary at the Institut du Monde Arabe Film Festival in Paris.

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  3. "Children of Shatila" won Best Director and Best Camera awards at the Arab Screen Festival in London in 1998.

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  4. "Frontiers of Dreams and Fears" received fourteen awards, including First Prize at the Arab World Academy in Paris.

  5. Her documentaries provided a powerful, authentic depiction of life in occupied territories and served as historical documentation.

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Watch & listen

Mai in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Watch on YouTube↗

  • 02Watch on YouTube↗

Further reading

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