Palestinian Filmmaker Najwa Najjar Elected to the Board of the European Film Academy
The European Film Academy has elected Palestinian filmmaker Najwa Najjar as a member of its Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term, a step that reflects her distinguished standing in the international cinematic landscape and affirms the continued recognition of her creativity and rich artistic career in both fiction and documentary cinema.
On this occasion, the Gaza International Women’s Film Festival and the Jerusalem International Film Festival, under the presidency of Dr. Ezzedine Shallah, extend their warmest congratulations to Najwa Najjar, considering this election a significant achievement for Palestinian cinema, and for Palestinian women in particular, as well as a testament to the growing presence of Palestinian cinematic voices within global film institutions.
Dr. Ezzedine Shallah stated that Najwa Najjar is among the most prominent Palestinian and Arab filmmakers, with a distinguished artistic portfolio that has established her as one of the leading Palestinian cinematic voices. She studied cinema in the United States and has produced notable works throughout her career, including Pomegranates and Myrrh, Eyes of a Thief, and Between Heaven and Earth, films that have won numerous international awards and screened at prestigious film festivals worldwide.
He added that Najjar has excelled in addressing themes related to the Palestinian woman’s experience, everyday life under occupation, and broader human and social conflicts, employing a cinematic style that blends artistic creativity with a strong human message. This has earned her wide respect from critics and audiences internationally, in addition to her membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Shallah emphasized that her election to the Board of the European Film Academy represents a well-deserved culmination of her creative journey, reflecting the presence of Palestinian cinema at the highest international cinematic forums and highlighting the active and influential role of Palestinian women in the film industry.
This achievement further strengthens prospects for cultural and artistic cooperation between Palestinian and international cinema, and supports continued engagement with global film institutions, contributing to the consolidation of the creative and humanistic standing of Palestinian cinema on the international stage.
