Marwa Zein
Tutor, Creative Production (Film)
Meet Marwa Zein, a spirited individual hailing originally from Sudan and Egypt — yes, from both!
Marwa is an international award winning film director, script writer and producer. Her feature documentary ‘Khartoum Offside’ and short fiction films ‘A game’ and ‘One week, Two days’ have earned Marwa critical acclaim. Her films have premiered and screened in Berlinale, Toronto, CPH DOX, Sheffield, Visions du reel, BOZAR, JCC and IDFA amongst other festivals. 'Khartoum Offside' was awarded the 15th Africa Movie Academy Award for best film (AMAA), Best First Work by TV5 Monde and more than 35 national and international awards.
She was selected in Berlin Talents 2009 Durban Film Talents in South Africa 2012, Cite International Des Arts in Paris 2017, Goethe Beirut Film Station 2016, IDFA Academy 2017, Alter-Cine Canada, Haile Gerima Intensive Workshop in Luxor African Film Festival among others. She has been a Jury Member on CPH DOX, film programmer at Sudan Independent Film Festival, festival director at SHNIT International Film Festival Cairo edition and was on the Dox Box selection jury.
She joined Catalyst in April 2023 as a tutor on the Creative Production (Film) MA, facilitating workshops and providing supervision for MA students.
Before her Catalyst journey, Marwa embarked on a diverse path. Initially studying Chemical Engineering, she transitioned to Film and Script Writing, earning her BA from the Academy of Arts and Cinema in Egypt in 2009. Her trajectory involved making short films, working as an assistant director with esteemed Arabic and African directors. She studied at Danish National film school in 2015. She studied her master’s at KHM, Cologne. Besides teaching, Marwa works as a script writer, film director and producer.
Marwa's role at Catalyst allows her to exchange the passion of storytelling with students from all over the world. Supporting and guiding students toward their unique voices, she finds that, despite differences, there's a surprising amount we share.
Life's excitement for Marwa lies in exploring, being, sensing, listening, watching, learning, and unlearning — the essence of existence. Her life tip is simple but profound: Courage is key. To follow her journey, visit www.marwazein.com.