Mahdi Fleifel
- Writer
- Director
- Producer
Born in Dubai, Mahdi Fleifel lives and works between Denmark, England, and Greece. A graduate of the British National Film & Television School, he founded the London-based production company Nakba FilmWorks in 2010.
Fleifel's latest film, TO A LAND UNKNOWN, premiered at the Directors' Fortnight (Quinzaine des Réalisateurs) at Cannes 2024 to critical and audience acclaim. With over 100 festival screenings, 20 awards, and a Gotham Award nomination for Best Breakthrough Director, the film is set for theatrical release in more than 30 countries, cementing his reputation as a bold voice in contemporary cinema.
His debut feature, A WORLD NOT OURS, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and won over 30 awards, including the Berlinale Peace Prize and the Grand Jury Prizes at Edinburgh and DOC:NYC.
In 2016, Fleifel won the Silver Bear at Berlinale for A MAN RETURNED, which was also nominated for the European Film Awards. His Cannes-selected A DROWNING MAN later earned a BAFTA nomination, while I SIGNED THE PETITION won Best Documentary Short at IDFA. His short 3 LOGICAL EXITS premiered at IFF Rotterdam.
Fleifel's latest film, TO A LAND UNKNOWN, premiered at the Directors' Fortnight (Quinzaine des Réalisateurs) at Cannes 2024 to critical and audience acclaim. With over 100 festival screenings, 20 awards, and a Gotham Award nomination for Best Breakthrough Director, the film is set for theatrical release in more than 30 countries, cementing his reputation as a bold voice in contemporary cinema.
His debut feature, A WORLD NOT OURS, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and won over 30 awards, including the Berlinale Peace Prize and the Grand Jury Prizes at Edinburgh and DOC:NYC.
In 2016, Fleifel won the Silver Bear at Berlinale for A MAN RETURNED, which was also nominated for the European Film Awards. His Cannes-selected A DROWNING MAN later earned a BAFTA nomination, while I SIGNED THE PETITION won Best Documentary Short at IDFA. His short 3 LOGICAL EXITS premiered at IFF Rotterdam.
