Nawaf Al Janahi

Biography

Nawaf Al Janahi is an actor and filmmaker who is actively involved in developing the film industry in the UAE.

Al Janahi made his directorial debut with The Circle (2009), a narrative film presenting different perspectives on family and work in contemporary Arab society. Al Janahi's second venture, the coming-of-age story Sea Shadow (2011), was released in cinemas across the Arabian Gulf and, within the first week, claimed the second spot in the box office rankings in the UAE, the biggest cinema market in the Arab world. The film was later screened in 27 other countries.

Al Janahi is the founder and manager of the Emirati Cinema Campaign, Abu Dhabi (2014–present), and Black Box Cinema, Abu Dhabi (2014–present). He was Arab Programme Manager at the Dubai International Film Festival (2007–2009), Competition Manager at the Gulf Film Festival, Dubai (2007–2009) and Artistic Supervisor at the Emirates Film Competition, Abu Dhabi (2005–2007).

He participated in the Global Media Makers Residency, Film Independent, Los Angeles (2018) and received an Emirates Foundation Arts Grant, Abu Dhabi (2007).

He started acting at the age of seven and, at 19, moved to California to study cinema. He was born in 1977 in Abu Dhabi, where he continues to live and work.

SAF participation:
Sharjah Film Platform (December 2019)