Panel Discussion: Personal Stories, Political Stakes – Crafting Intimate Documentary Cinema
Schedule
Tue Apr 14 2026 at 03:00 pm to 03:45 pm
UTC+02:00Location
Scandic Hotel Triangeln | Malmö, SN
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Personal Stories, Political Stakes: Crafting Intimate Documentary Cinema📅 Tuesday, 14 April
⏰ 15:00–15:45
📍 Scandic Triangeln, 3rd floor, Learning 2
Personal documentary filmmaking often begins in deeply intimate spaces, family, memory, and
personal history, yet these stories frequently reveal broader political and social realities.
This conversation brings together the directors of FLANA and My Father and Qadhafi to discuss how
personal narratives evolve into powerful cinematic works. The session will explore the creative
process behind intimate documentaries, the ethical and emotional challenges of filming close circles,
and the ways personal stories can illuminate larger historical and political contexts.
Panel:
Zahraa Ghandour
Zahraa Ghandour was born and lives in Baghdad where she co-founded KARADA films production
company. A filmmaker, producer, and actor, she is known for her roles in The Journey (17) which
premiered at the Festival, Baghdad in My Shadow (19), and The Blind Ferryman (25). She wrote and
directed the experimental short I Dream (20). Flana (25) is her latest film.
Jihan Kikhia
Jihan was born in exile and raised in Paris while her father, a Libyan human rights lawyer, was the
peaceful opposition leader to Qaddafi’s regime. After her father disappeared from Cairo, her family
lived between the United States and France, while her mother, a Syrian artist, fought for justice in an
international campaign. Jihan received her BA in International and Comparative Politics with a
concentration in Human Rights, Philosophy, and International Law and her MA in Art Education and
Storytelling.
Moderator:
Director Hala Galal
She has led and presided over several film festivals, most recently, the Aswan International Women’s
Film Festival, and the Euro Arab Cinema, the Ismailia Film Festival for documentaries.
Known for her work in documentary cinema and independent film. She is a co-founder of SEMAT,
Alternative Film Center in Cairo and has played a key role in supporting film preservation, education,
and alternative film culture in Egypt. Hala’s work often explores social memory, identity, and the
relationship between people and place.
A director of several documentaries, including "Thorns," "Women's Chit-Chat," and "From Cairo."
Her documentary films have received numerous awards from international and local film festivals.
🔑 This event is exclusively for accreditation card holders — get yours through the link below:
https://www.maffswe.com/accreditation/
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Where is it happening?
Scandic Hotel Triangeln, Malmö, SwedenEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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