Country-study
Middle East. Content as the new oil
august 26 / 16:30 – 17:45
Tarkovsky Hall
Russian producers have shown increased interest in the MENA market over the past few years. The MENA region offers interesting opportunities for shooting and is a fast-growing theatrical and media market, attracting producers for distribution and co-production of new projects. However, it is important to understand the industry setup of each country within this region, as they all have their own peculiarities.
This panel will provide an overview of the production, theatrical, and media distribution landscape in the region, as well as highlight specifics that can help in better understanding it and encourage cross-country collaboration.
This panel will provide an overview of the production, theatrical, and media distribution landscape in the region, as well as highlight specifics that can help in better understanding it and encourage cross-country collaboration.
- Market Segmentation: How easy is it to produce a project appealing to the entire MENA region?
- Main content trends in the region today.
- What can MENA countries and Russia offer each other?NA и Россией? Что обе территории могут предложить друг другу?
Moderator:
- Katerina PshenitsynaExpert in international distribution and co-productionKaterina Pshenitsyna is a senior executive with 10 years of experience in the international distribution of content and co-productions in media. During this period, she oversaw international distribution at Central Partnership, the industry leader in distribution in Russia, focusing on theatrical live-action, as well as at Wizart Animation, a leading production and sales outlet for high-quality animation. She is currently overseeing international business development and co-productions at SMF Animation, one of the largest Russian animation studios. She is also developing several projects in the MENA region and writing a thematic blog about it.
Speakers:
- Bilal DayaniCOO, Eagle Films, UAEBilal Dayani is a growth-focused and innovative leader with over three decades of experience in the media content creation industry. As the Chief Operating Officer of Eagle Films Middle East LLC, he oversees GCC drama production and movie distribution, establishing the company as a leading independent distributor in the Middle East and North Africa.
Starting his career in 1985 with Tihama in Saudi Arabia, where he led documentary production and movie distribution, Bilal later joined Megastar Home Entertainment in 1995 as Executive General Manager of Music Videos and Movie Production. His expertise earned him the presidency of the Arab Music Awards and recognition as one of the Top 100 Most Prominent Faces in UAE society. - Habib AttiaProducer, TunisiaTunis-born cinema and TV producer Habib Attia has been the managing director of CINETELEFILMS since 2007, one of the leading production companies in Tunisia and the region. Founded in 1983, CINETELEFILMS has produced some of the biggest blockbusters in Tunisian and Arab cinema, such as Man of Ashes, Silence of the Palace, and Halfaouine.
True to his editorial line and philosophy, Habib focuses on fiction and documentary projects that primarily address contemporary sociocultural issues. His productions as the main producer are globally distributed, acclaimed, and awarded at the most prestigious festivals like Cannes (in 2023, 2022, 2017, 2014, and 2011), Venice (in 2020, 2019, and 2012), San Sebastian, and Toronto. A three-time Oscar nominee with Four Daughters in 2024, The Man Who Sold His Skin in 2021, and Brotherhood in 2020, Habib Attia received the prestigious rank of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters of the French Republic in 2021 as recognition of his career. - Hassan AssiriCEO, SADAF, Saudi ArabiaHassan Assiri, a renowned figure in Arabic media, has dedicated over three decades to producing influential content in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab World. As the founder of Al Sadaf for Sonic and Visual Production Limited, Hassan has spearheaded numerous successful projects, earning multiple prestigious awards, including the Golden Directing Prize and recognition at the Emmy Awards. His work spans 21 countries, producing over 327 projects, including TV series, documentaries, and operettas, establishing him as a pioneer in the industry.
- Elena BrodskayaHead of international content strategy, YangoContent marketing professional with over 20 years experience on entertainment. Head of Content Strategy for Yango Play, entertainment superapp launched in MENA markets in February this year. For 17 years worked as Marketing VP at Walt Disney Company in Russia and CIS. Creator of signature educational program "Film marketing".
- Nadezhda MotinaPresident, Arna Media