Mahmoud Sabbagh
| Mahmoud Sabbagh محمود صباغ | |
|---|---|
| Born |
March 27, 1983 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Occupation | film director, writer |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Website |
www |
Mahmoud Sabbagh, or Mah Sabbagh (Arabic: مَحْمُود صباغ; born March 1983) is an independent Saudi filmmaker, producer, and writer. Sabbagh has been a major pioneer of independent cinema in Saudi Arabia since the 2013. His debut feature, titled: Barakah Meets Barakah,[1] premiered first at Berlin Film Festival in 2016; becoming the first feature film from Saudi Arabia to screen in the festival. His debut film was also selected as the entry of Saudi Arabia for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.[2]
Sabbagh is also known locally by the documentary The Story of Hamza Shehata (2013).[3] Sabbagh also created/directed the provocative TV/web drama series Cash (2014);[4] a 10-episodes drama series shot in cinema style. Sabbagh holds a master's degree of science from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism where he studied storytelling filmmaking.
He speaks fluent English and Arabic. He lives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Filmography
- Barakah Meets Barakah (2016). Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at Berlin Film Festival.[5]
Further reading
- Kerr, Simeon. "Romantic comedy puts spotlight on desires of Saudi youth" (Financial Times October 30, 2016)
- Screen - Barakah Meets Barakah Review at the Berlianle - 18 February, 2016
- "Mahmoud Sabbagh And The ‘Challenges’ Facing Saudi Filmmakers" - Variety 2016
- "Ten Names You Need To Know In The Arab Film Industry" (Variety May 13, 2016)