Our VIP A - list Speakers
Prepare for an exclusive deep dive with the VIP architects of cinema's visual landscape. Our esteemed panel features seasoned experts with verifiable track records on blockbuster projects in both Hollywood and the dynamic Arab market world. The Arab filmmaking scene is currently experiencing a renaissance of innovation, backed by massive strategic investment and a generation of inspiring new minds who are pushing technical and creative boundaries. They’re not just sharing stories—they're unveiling the cutting-edge VFX techniques, AI applications, strategic filmmaking insights, and career-defining trade secrets that drove their projects to global success and are shaping the future of visual storytelling. Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn directly from the legends who are forging the next era of global cinema.
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Cory Jamieson
Cory Jamieson is an accomplished CEO, Executive Producer, and Emmy-Nominated VFX Supervisor, leveraging over a decade of experience shaping the visual effects landscape.
As a Co-Founder of Barnstorm VFX, he has helped build a global visual effects brand that delivers high-quality work across the spectrum of projects, from streaming and TV to high-end feature films.
Under Cory’s leadership, Barnstorm has contributed to some of Hollywood’s biggest and most acclaimed productions. Their extensive portfolio of major blockbusters features titles like Deadpool & Wolverine, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Captain America: Brave New World, Fantastic Four: First Steps and Thor: Love and Thunder, as well as hit series like One Piece and the Emmy & VES nominated Ted Lasso.
A testament to their exceptional standards, Barnstorm holds multiple Emmy and VES nominations across several projects. Cory's leadership emphasizes innovation and collaboration, fostering a creative environment that continually pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. His commitment to excellence and passion for the entertainment industry position him as a notable figure in the field, dedicated to staying ahead of trends and securing Barnstorm’s continued success.
Founder and CEO of BARNSTORM VFX
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Philipp Wolf
Film Producer - Co Founder and CEO of SWYVL
Philipp Wolf (He/Him), a German serial entrepreneur and Producer based in Montreal, leads swyvl, a company out to empower individuals to understand and embrace neurodiversity through immersive experiences. With extensive experience in visual effects producing, Wolf has made significant contributions to blockbusters such as ‘Dune: Part One’ and ‘Ghost in the Shell’. His expertise extends from international co-productions and IP development to emerging technologies, which has led him to spearhead initiatives in virtual production and immersive experiences. He serves on the Visual Effects Society Board of Directors and within the Production Innovation Taskforce of Producers Guild of America.
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Nahla Alfahad
Nahla Al Fahad is an award-winning Emirati film director and producer from Dubai and one of the region’s most influential creative voices in film, television, and documentary storytelling. A member of the Content Creation Advisory Council at the Dubai Media Council since 2022, she has shaped the UAE’s media landscape through groundbreaking work across cinema, commercials, and music videos. Her prominence was cemented with The Tainted Veil, co directed in 2016 and shortlisted for Best Documentary Feature at the 88th Academy Awards, earning four international awards and global acclaim.
Across her career, Nahla has directed five major television dramas broadcast across more than 20 Arab channels, and her first Emirati feature film, 218: Behind the Wall of Silence (2021), became a milestone for national cinema, winning honors at the Septimius Awards and securing recognition for Best Film Director at the Diyaa Awards. She has further expanded her international footprint through collaborations such as co producing the Malayalam feature Momo in Dubai, while serving on juries at leading festivals and collecting accolades including the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Murex D’Or International Festival.
Film Director & Producer, Beyond Studios
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Mohamed Hefzy
Film Producer & Screen Writer
Founder & President of FILM CLINC.
Mohamed Hefzy is an Egyptian screenwriter and producer, with an evolving filmography of more than 40 feature films including worldwide acclaimed titles Clash (2016), Sheikh Jackson (2017), Feathers (2021), and Voy! Voy! Voy! (2023).
He served as a jury member in various international festivals including the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and the 75th Venice International Film Festival. As of its 40th edition and for four consecutive years; Mohamed Hefzy was the appointed President of the Cairo International Film Festival.
In 2005, he founded Film Clinic; the now pioneer production house in the MENA region with a variety of commercial blockbusters & Art house films that have participated in major film festivals worldwide including; Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance, Toronto, and Tribeca with more than 100 international awards under its belt. Later Hefzy founded Film Clinic Indie Distribution, with a mission to create opportunities for Arab independent films within and beyond festival circuits & Co- founded Meem Creative Circle which produced Netflix’s first Egyptian original series; Paranormal.
Hefzy was cited among 30 future leaders in film production by Screen International, headed Variety’s list of Ten names you need to know in the Arab Film Industry and was among Variety’s 500 list of the most influential people in the media industry worldwide. He was granted the Arab Cinema Personality of the Year award by the Hollywood Reporter & Arab Cinema Center. Hefzy is an official member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts And Sciences in the producers’ branch. In recognition of his significant contribution to the Arab film scene, He was honored as a “Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres” from France.