Arab Cinema Center (ACC) has recently unveiled its roster of the 101 Most Influential Figures in the Arab Film Industry, affectionately known as the Golden 101. This esteemed list honors the crème de la crème of the filmmaking realm in the Arab region, showcased annually in the special Cannes edition of Arab Cinema (AC) Magazine.
The ACC's compilation encompasses luminaries from the artistic sphere, renowned filmmakers, and prominent institutions that have left an indelible mark on the industry throughout the past year. The Golden 101 for this year comprises 21 directors, 12 producers, 12 actors, seven crew members, 21 distributors, 12 influential figures representing Arab governmental institutions, 10 platform managers, two presenters, 13 festival directors and managers, and seven fund managers. Hailing from 24 countries, including 15 Arab and nine non-Arab nations, these professionals have made a significant impact on the cinematic landscape.
Egypt and Lebanon dominate the list, with both countries boasting an impressive tally of 23 influential figures. Saudi Arabia follows closely with 17, while Jordan secures 11 spots. Tunisia claims nine, Syria secures five, and the UAE maintains a solid presence with four representatives. Sudan, Kuwait, Morocco, Iraq, Qatar, and Yemen are also represented, each with three, two, two, two, one, and one name respectively.
Among the non-Arab entries, the United States stands out with four notable names, trailed by the United Kingdom with three. France, Italy, Canada, India, Monaco, and South Africa each contribute one prominent personality to the list.
The Golden 101 roster proudly features distinguished stars from Egypt, including the likes of Yousra, Tamer Hosni, Ahmed Malek, Hussein Fahmy, Marwan Hamed, Ahmed Mourad, Ahmad Al-Morsy, Ahmed Hafez, Heba Othman, Amir Ramses, Mohamed Hefzy, and Sally El-Husseini. The list also encompasses revered music composer Hisham Nazih, esteemed producers Marianne Khoury and Shahinaz El-Akkad, as well as respected distributors Gaby Khoury and Ramzi Khoury.
Lebanon's representation shines brightly with the inclusion of celebrated talents such as Razane Jammal, accomplished filmmakers Wissam Sharaf, Noel, and Michelle Kesrouani, revered sound designer Rana Eid, and renowned TV presenter Raya Abirached. The list further comprises influential industry professionals, including George Choucair, Sawsan Asfari, and Joe Kawkabani.
The Golden 101 also proudly showcases Tony Saab, Vice President of Starzplay Arabia, Hania Mroué, Founder and Director of Metropolis Art Cinema, Jad Abi Khalil, Director of Beirut Cinema Platform, Elias Khlat, Founder and Director of the Tripoli Film Festival, Antoine Khalife, Director of the Red Sea International Film Festival's Arab Program, Rima Mismar, Executive Director at the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, Mario Haddad Sr., CEO of Empire International, Mario Haddad Jr., President of Empire International, Selim El-Azar, CEO of Gulf Film, Gianluca Chakra, Founder and CEO of Front Row, Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim for Entertainment, Toni Al-Masih, Managing Director of VOX Cinemas, Hammad Atassi, President and Founder of Prime Cinemas/Empire Cinema and Cinema City, and Selim Ramia, Chairperson of the Selim Ramia Company.
Saudi Arabia's notable personalities include filmmaker Abdulelah Alqurashi, actress Fatima Al-Banawi, Zeinab Abu Alsamh, General Manager of MBC Studios, Alaa Yousef Fadan, Chairperson of Telfaz 11, Waleed bin Ibrahim Al-Ibrahim, Owner and Chairperson of MBC Group, Hadeel Kamel, Managing Director of ART, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, Mohammed Al-Turki, Director of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture Abdullah Al-Rashid, Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairperson of the General Entertainment Authority's Board of Directors, Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, Faisal Baltyuor, Saudi producer and CEO of Muvi Studios, Sultan Al-Hokair, Founder and CEO of Muvi Cinema, Mamdouh Salem, CEO of Rowad Media, and Abdullah Al-Dawood, Chairperson of Saudi Entertainment Ventures.
The list also highlights the contributions of influential non-Arab individuals in the region, including Sam Barnett, Executive Director of MBC Group, Natasha Matos Hemingway, Head of Commercial and Marketing at Shahid, Charlene Dillion, Executive Director of Al-Ula Film, Wayne Borg, Managing Director for Media, Entertainment, Culture, and Fashion Industries at NEOM, Adon Quinn, CEO of Muvi Cinemas, Hans Fryken, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and Mark Whitehead, Executive Director of Image Nation Abu Dhabi.
Emiratis are also prominently featured, including Maaz Sheikh, CEO and Co-Founder of STARZPLAY ARABIA, Butheina Kazim, screenwriter and Founder of Cinema Akil, Majed Al-Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, and Dubai Production City, as well as Mohamed Al-Mubarak, Chairperson of Image Nation.
In conclusion, this comprehensive list pays tribute to the remarkable talents and immense contributions of individuals within the Arab film industry. The ACC and Arab Cinema Magazine take great pride in acknowledging and celebrating the exceptional achievements of these influential personalities.
