Cairo University

Lycée du Caire

In my role as Vice President of North Africa Operations at Afraflix Corporation, I leverage over three decades of expertise in the film and entertainment industry to oversee and enhance our regional operations. My responsibilities include strategic planning, market analysis, and the implementation of initiatives to expand Afraflix's footprint across North Africa.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

Strategic Leadership: Developed and executed strategic plans to drive business growth and improve operational efficiency across North Africa.

Market Expansion: Spearheaded initiatives to penetrate new markets, enhancing Afraflix's presence and accessibility in the region.

Partnership Development: Established and nurtured key partnerships with local and international stakeholders, including film festivals, production companies, and distribution networks.

Content Acquisition and Distribution: Oversaw the acquisition of diverse film and media content, ensuring a robust and appealing catalog for our audience.

Team Management: Led and mentored a dynamic team, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the organization.

Performance Monitoring: Implemented performance metrics and KPIs to monitor progress and drive continuous improvement in operations.

Cultural Insights: Utilized my extensive knowledge of regional and global film cultures to tailor content strategies that resonate with local audiences while maintaining international appeal.

During my tenure, I have successfully managed various high-profile projects and have played a pivotal role in expanding Afraflix's market share in North Africa. My efforts have significantly contributed to the company's reputation as a leading provider of diverse and quality film content in the region.

Afraflix Corporation

Vice President North Africa Operation

As the Founder of Rare Cinema Shop, I established an innovative platform dedicated to providing film enthusiasts and collectors with access to rare and classic cinema. My passion for film and extensive experience in the industry have enabled me to curate a unique collection that spans diverse genres, languages, and eras.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

Business Development: Conceptualized and launched Rare Cinema Shop, identifying a niche market for rare and hard-to-find films. Developed a comprehensive business plan and executed strategies to drive growth and customer engagement.

Curated Collection: Assembled a diverse catalog of rare and classic films, carefully selecting titles that appeal to cinephiles and collectors worldwide. The collection includes limited editions, out-of-print titles, and critically acclaimed works from various cultures and time periods.

E-Commerce Platform: Designed and managed an intuitive and user-friendly online store, providing customers with a seamless shopping experience. Implemented secure payment gateways, efficient shipping solutions, and customer support systems.

Marketing and Promotion: Utilized digital marketing strategies to reach a global audience, including social media campaigns, email newsletters, and collaborations with film festivals and cultural organizations. Successfully increased brand visibility and attracted a loyal customer base.

Customer Relations: Fostered strong relationships with customers by providing exceptional service and personalized recommendations. Engaged with the film community through interactive content, including blog posts, reviews, and virtual events.

Multilingual Outreach: Leveraged my proficiency in multiple languages to connect with a diverse international audience. Created multilingual content and support services to cater to customers from different regions.

Rare Cinema Shop

Founder

Content Creation Highlights:

Websites and YouTube Channels: Developed and managed content that explores the world of film and art through in-depth interviews, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights. My platforms have become a go-to resource for enthusiasts and professionals alike, seeking a deeper understanding of the industry.

Multilingual Interviews: Conducted interviews with a diverse range of artists worldwide, leveraging my fluency in multiple languages to bridge cultural gaps and bring unique perspectives to my audience.

Engaging Content: Produced a variety of content formats including written articles, video interviews, and interactive media that engage and educate my audience about the intricacies of film and art.

Audience Growth: Successfully grown my online presence by consistently delivering high-quality, relevant content that resonates with a global audience of film and art lovers.

SherifAwad-FilmCritic.com

Editor In Chief

As the Business Owner of Domino for Film Sales & Promotion and for Film Festival Programming, I have leveraged my extensive expertise in the film industry to establish a multifaceted enterprise that supports film distribution and festival programming. My role encompasses strategic planning, business development, and creative direction, aimed at enhancing the visibility and reach of films across various platforms.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

Film Sales and Promotion:

Developed comprehensive sales strategies to market and distribute films to international audiences.
Negotiated distribution deals and partnerships with film distributors, exhibitors, and streaming platforms.

Conducted market analysis to identify trends and opportunities for promoting diverse film genres.
Festival Programming:

Curated film selections for numerous prestigious film festivals, ensuring a diverse and engaging lineup that reflects the latest trends and talents in the industry.

Collaborated with festival organizers to design programming schedules, special events, and panel discussions.

Facilitated filmmaker participation, providing platforms for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work.

Strategic Leadership:

Guided the overall vision and direction of the company, setting objectives and aligning resources to achieve business goals.

Oversaw day-to-day operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
Networking and Partnerships:

Established strong relationships with key stakeholders in the film industry, including producers, directors, and industry executives.

Engaged with international film communities to expand the reach and influence of Domino's projects.
Marketing and Publicity:

Designed and implemented targeted marketing campaigns to generate buzz and audience engagement for film releases and festival programs.

Business Owner at Domino for Film Sales & Promotion and for Film Festival Programming

Business Owner

As the Artistic Director of the Sharm El-Sheikh Film Festival, I played a crucial role in shaping the vision, programming, and overall artistic direction of the festival. My responsibilities included curating a diverse and compelling lineup of films, coordinating with filmmakers and industry professionals, and enhancing the festival's reputation as a premier cultural event in the region.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

Festival Programming:

Curated a diverse selection of films, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts, representing a wide range of genres, cultures, and perspectives.

Designed thematic programs and special showcases that highlighted emerging trends, groundbreaking works, and influential filmmakers.

Organized retrospectives and tributes to honor distinguished figures and milestones in cinema.
Artistic Vision and Leadership:

Developed and articulated the festival's artistic vision, ensuring a cohesive and innovative program that resonated with both local and international audiences.

Led the programming team, providing guidance and support to ensure the successful execution of the festival's artistic goals.

Collaborated with the festival's executive committee to align artistic objectives with the overall mission and strategy of the event.

Sharm El-Sheikh Film Festival

Artistic Director

Alexandria Francophone Film Festival

As the Curator for the Afro-Asian Film Festival, I was instrumental in shaping the festival's programming and artistic vision, highlighting the rich and diverse cinematic traditions of Africa and Asia. My responsibilities involved selecting and presenting films that reflect the unique cultural narratives of these regions, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding through the medium of film.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

Film Selection and Curation:

Curated a diverse lineup of films, including features, documentaries, and shorts, that showcased the unique stories, perspectives, and artistic expressions from Africa and Asia.

Conducted thorough research and screenings to identify high-quality films that align with the festival’s themes and objectives.

Worked closely with filmmakers, distributors, and cultural organizations to secure film entries and premieres.

Program Development:

Designed thematic programs and special retrospectives that highlighted significant trends, movements, and auteurs in Afro-Asian cinema.

Organized Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and workshops with filmmakers and industry professionals to provide deeper insights and foster audience engagement.

Created educational initiatives and outreach programs to involve local communities and young filmmakers in the festival.

Cultural Promotion:

Promoted the rich and diverse cinematic heritage of Africa and Asia, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and understanding.

Fostered cross-cultural dialogue by showcasing films that address contemporary social issues, historical events, and cultural traditions.

Afro-Asian Film Festival

Curator

As a dedicated film curator for the Aswan Women Film Festival, I am committed to promoting diverse voices and empowering women in the film industry. My role involves selecting and showcasing impactful films that resonate with audiences and spark meaningful conversations.

I have had the privilege of inviting esteemed women celebrities like Barbara Bouchet and Béatrice Dalle, as well as renowned actors like Danny Glover, to participate in our festival. These collaborations help elevate our festival's profile and inspire meaningful dialogue around women's contributions to cinema.

Aswan International Women Film Festival

Film Curator

As the Curator for the Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF), I played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic direction and programming of one of Africa's most prestigious film festivals. My responsibilities involved selecting and presenting films that reflect the diverse and vibrant cinematic traditions of Africa, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting African cinema on a global stage.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

Film Selection and Curation:

Curated a diverse and compelling lineup of films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films, representing various African countries and cultures.

Conducted thorough research and screenings to ensure the selection of high-quality, impactful films that resonate with the festival's audience.

Collaborated with filmmakers, distributors, and cultural organizations to secure film entries and exclusive premieres.

Program Development:

Designed thematic programs and special retrospectives that highlighted significant trends, movements, and auteurs in African cinema.

Organized Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and workshops with filmmakers and industry professionals to enhance audience engagement and provide deeper insights into the films.

Developed educational initiatives and outreach programs to involve local communities and young filmmakers in the festival.

Cultural Promotion:

Promoted the rich and diverse cinematic heritage of Africa, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and understanding through film.

Fostered cross-cultural dialogue by showcasing films that address contemporary social issues, historical events, and cultural traditions unique to Africa.

Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF)

As the Cultural Editor at Westchester Guardian, I was responsible for overseeing the cultural section of the newspaper, curating content that highlighted the vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment scenes. My role involved managing a team of writers, producing engaging articles, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts within the community.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

Editorial Leadership:

Directed the cultural section's editorial strategy, ensuring the publication of high-quality, insightful, and timely content.

Managed a team of writers, editors, and freelancers, providing mentorship and editorial guidance to maintain high journalistic standards.

Edited and approved articles, features, and reviews, ensuring accuracy, coherence, and alignment with the newspaper's editorial vision.

Content Curation:

Curated a diverse array of content, including profiles, interviews, reviews, and feature stories covering local and international arts, culture, and entertainment.

Identified emerging trends and significant cultural events, commissioning articles that reflect the dynamic cultural landscape.

Collaborated with photographers, designers, and multimedia producers to create visually compelling and engaging content.

Westchester Guardian

Cultural Editor

As a Curator for the Alexandria Mediterranean Film Festival (AMFF), I have played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic direction and programming of one of the most esteemed film festivals in the Mediterranean region. My responsibilities involve the careful selection and presentation of films that reflect the diverse cultural landscape of the Mediterranean, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation through cinema.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

Film Selection and Curation:

Curated a diverse lineup of films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films, representing various Mediterranean countries and cultures.

Conducted thorough research and screening processes to ensure the selection of high-quality, impactful films that resonate with the festival's audience.

Collaborated with filmmakers, distributors, and cultural institutions to secure film entries and exclusive premieres.

Program Development:

Designed thematic programs and retrospectives that highlight significant trends, movements, and auteurs in Mediterranean cinema.

Organized special events, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers to enhance audience engagement and provide deeper insights into the films.

Festival Coordination:

Worked closely with the festival's organizing committee to plan and execute the festival's schedule, logistics, and promotional activities.

Coordinated with various departments, including marketing, publicity, and technical support, to ensure a seamless festival experience for attendees and participants.
Cultural Promotion:


Secured partnerships and sponsorships to support the festival's activities and expand its reach.

Alexandria Mediterranean Film Festival (AMFF)

As the Arts and Entertainment Editor at Egypt Today Magazine, I have overseen the editorial direction and content development of the magazine's arts and entertainment section, transforming it into a leading source of cultural insights and industry news in Egypt. My role involves managing a team of writers, curating engaging content, and establishing the magazine's authority in the arts and entertainment landscape.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:

Editorial Leadership:

Directed the editorial strategy for the arts and entertainment section, ensuring the publication of high-quality, timely, and relevant content.

Managed a team of writers, editors, and contributors, providing guidance, feedback, and support to maintain editorial excellence.

Edited and approved articles, features, and reviews, ensuring accuracy, coherence, and alignment with the magazine's editorial standards.

Content Curation:

Curated a diverse range of content, including in-depth interviews, reviews, features, and opinion pieces covering film, music, theatre, visual arts, and cultural events.

Identified emerging trends and topics in the arts and entertainment sector, commissioning articles that reflect the dynamic and evolving cultural scene in Egypt and beyond.

Collaborated with photographers, designers, and multimedia producers to create visually compelling and engaging content.

Feature Writing:

Authored and contributed to numerous high-profile articles and interviews, showcasing prominent figures and groundbreaking projects in the arts and entertainment industry.

Produced special issues and thematic features that highlight significant cultural milestones, festivals, and artistic achievements.

Egypt Today Magazine

Arts and Entertinament Editor

I oversaw the distribution of blockbuster films from Universal, Paramount, MGM, and UA in the vibrant Egyptian cinema market. With experience managing iconic titles like "Ronin," "Mercury Rising," "The Jackal," "Mission Impossible," and "007's The World is Not Enough," I specialized in driving successful theatrical releases and enhancing audience engagement through strategic marketing initiatives.

Sherif M. Awad