Personal Stories, Political Stakes: Making Intimate Documentary Cinema
Tuesday 14 April, 15:00-15:45, Scandic Triangeln, 3rd floor, Learning 2Personal documentary filmmaking often begins in deeply intimate spaces, family, memory, and personal history, yet these stories frequently reveal broader political and social realities.
This conversation brings together the directors of FLANA and My Father and Qadhafi to discuss how personal narratives evolve into powerful cinematic works. The session will explore the creative process behind intimate documentaries, the ethical and emotional challenges of filming close circles, and the ways personal stories can illuminate larger historical and political contexts.
Zahraa Ghandour
Zahraa Ghandour was born and lives in Baghdad where she co-founded KARADA films production company. A filmmaker, producer, and actor, she is known for her roles in The Journey (17) which premiered at the Festival, Baghdad in My Shadow (19), and The Blind Ferryman (25). She wrote and directed the experimental short I Dream (20). Flana (25) is her latest film.
Jihan Kikhia
Jihan was born in exile and raised in Paris while her father, a Libyan human rights lawyer, was the peaceful opposition leader to Qaddafi’s regime. After her father disappeared from Cairo, her family lived between the United States and France, while her mother, a Syrian artist, fought for justice in an international campaign. Jihan received her BA in International and Comparative Politics with a concentration in Human Rights, Philosophy, and International Law and her MA in Art Education and Storytelling.
Moderator: Director Hala Galal
She has led and presided over several film festivals, most recently, the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival, and the Euro Arab Cinema, the Ismailia Film Festival for documentaries.
Known for her work in documentary cinema and independent film. She is a co-founder of SEMAT, Alternative Film Center in Cairo and has played a key role in supporting film preservation, education, and alternative film culture in Egypt. Hala’s work often explores social memory, identity, and the relationship between people and place.
A director of several documentaries, including “Thorns,” “Women’s Chit-Chat,” and “From Cairo.” Her documentary films have received numerous awards from international and local film festivals. She is also a member of juries at several film festivals