Very rarely does Digital Studio come across dynamic business women in the film and production industry, and yet this month, we have had the good fortune of meeting with three such people who have not only made a contribution within their respective fields but truly helped push their countries into the limelight.
First up is Randa Ayoubi, CEO of Rubicon, the Jordanian animation firm that hit headlines recently for partnering with Hollywood’s MGM Studios to co-develop Pink Panther & Pals, a new cartoon series based on the original MGM character. Ayoubi is well known in Jordan for encouraging educational reform and driving her team to produce animations that are on par with the work of international firms while also making them educational.
Next up is another Jordanian, director and writer, Sandra Kawar, who has authored City of Lost Spirits and teamed up with a UK-based company to make it into a feature film. The US $100 million movie will be shot in Petra starting this month.
Third on the list is 29-year-old Nayla Al Khaja, a well-known UAE national, who has succeeded in tying up with an Italian firm to co-produce three feature films for the international market. Digital Studio interviewed her two years ago when she travelled from Canada to Dubai with a couple of her fellow students to make a documentary titled Unveiling Dubai. Back then, she was determined to make a documentary that would dismiss preconceived notions that her fellow students had about her country.
Today, she seeks to put the UAE in the spotlight by showing the world what her country can contribute to world cinema.
This month Digital Studio celebrates through these individuals, the growing role of Arab women in the film and production industry. If you know of anyone who has made a significant contribution to this industry, we urge you to tell us about them.
Follow us on
