The 21st edition of the Al Ard Film Festival is just around the corner, and we are thrilled to introduce the distinguished members of this year’s Jury. From February 25th to March 1st, 2025, the festival will showcase a rich selection of films that celebrate Arab and Palestinian culture, history, and storytelling. This year’s jury brings together a diverse group of filmmakers, critics, and cultural leaders whose expertise and passion for cinema will guide the selection of the Festival’s winning films.
Let’s meet the jury members:
Alberto Diana
Born in Sardinia in 1989, Alberto Diana is a filmmaker with a Master’s degree in Creative Documentary from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. His work has been screened at numerous international film festivals, and his feature documentary Fango Rosso was selected for competition at the 37th Torino Film Festival in 2019. Currently, Alberto is developing the script for his first feature film, Intra Montes. His debut short fiction film, Frarìa, premiered at the 2023 Torino Film Festival. With a strong background in both documentary and fiction, Alberto brings a unique perspective to the jury.
Lina Bokhary
Lina Bokhary is the Head of the Cinema Department at the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, a position she has held since 2014. A Fulbright alumna with an MFA in Media Arts from California College of the Arts, Lina has been a driving force in supporting cinematic productions and promoting cinema culture in Palestine. Her extensive experience includes roles as an independent media artist, assistant director, and executive producer. Lina’s dedication to fostering Palestinian cinema and her deep understanding of the industry make her an invaluable member of the jury.
Linda Paganelli
An artist, anthropologist, and film director, Linda Paganelli holds an MA in Visual Anthropology and applies a decolonial, queer*feminist approach to her work. For over thirteen years, she has collaborated with universities, museums, and galleries, exploring themes such as migration, memory culture, and mass violence. Linda’s ethnographic filmmaking has taken her to conflict zones across the globe, including Afghanistan, Israel/Palestine, and the Western Balkans. Her documentaries, such as DisAbility (2015) and Journey of Waves (2018), reflect her commitment to creating immersive, self-reflexive explorations of reality.
Nur Masalha
Nur Masalha is a Palestinian writer, historian, and academic whose work focuses on Palestinian history, memory, and oral narratives. As a member of the Centre for Palestine Studies at SOAS, University of London, and editor of the Journal of Holy Land and Palestine Studies, Nur has dedicated his career to challenging official historical narratives and amplifying Palestinian voices. His recent publications, including Palestine: A Four Thousand Year History (2018) and Palestine Across Millennia (2022), highlight his profound contributions to the field. Nur’s expertise in Accademy, history and storytelling will enrich the jury’s deliberations.
Salim Abu Jabal
A renowned film critic and filmmaker, Salim Abu Jabal has produced and directed numerous films and programs, including the award-winning feature documentary Roshmia (2013). A former journalist specializing in cultural and cinematic topics, Salim has founded cinema clubs across Palestine and programmed festivals such as the Days of Cinema Palestine Film Festival and the Haifa Independent Film Festival. His experience as a jury member for the Royal Jordan Film Fund and his work as a script-writing trainer further underscore his deep involvement in the cinematic world.
The 21st edition of the Al Ard Film Festival promises to be a celebration of cinema that bridges cultures, histories, and perspectives. With such a talented and diverse jury, we are confident that this year’s selections will reflect the festival’s mission to amplify Palestinian voices and stories.
Join us from February 25th to March 1st, 2024, for a week of inspiring films, thought-provoking discussions, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for more updates on the festival program and events!
For more info, look for the hashtag #AlArdXXI on IG.