A top Bahraini filmmaker and producer recently made history after he was chosen to lead a major film festival in the north of the UK that attracted more than 1,200 submissions from 72 countries.
Green Bee managing director Aziz Altamimi, whose previous works include Influencer Inc, The Stars Align, and Becoming the Queen of the North, was appointed festival director of the fifth Northern Festival of Cinema, held in Newcastle’s historic Tyneside Cinema on July 4.
His appointment came five years after the festival’s launch, reflecting the board’s confidence in his film, production and leadership experience.
Mr Altamimi assumed responsibility for leading, programming, organising and delivering the festival, successfully overseeing one of its ‘largest and most successful editions since its inception’.
“Being appointed to lead a festival with a five-year history was a major responsibility,” said Mr Altamimi.
“The board trusted me to guide its next stage, and from the first day my objective was to deliver an edition worthy of the festival’s history while opening new opportunities for its future.
“The results exceeded our expectations – whether in the number of international submissions, audience attendance or the standard of organisation.
“We received more than 1,200 submissions from dozens of countries and saw full screenings throughout the day, which confirms that the festival has a significant future.”
The Northern Festival of Cinema is an independent British film festival held in Newcastle, established to support independent cinema and emerging talent. It provides a genuine cinema screen for filmmakers whose work does not always receive traditional exhibition opportunities. Over the years, it has developed from an independent film event into a platform attracting submissions from around the world.
This year’s edition saw more than 1,200 projects submitted from approximately 72 countries. Of these, about 39 films were screened from 3pm to 9pm on the day.
Mr Altamimi’s achievement represents a notable Bahraini presence in the British film and cultural sector.
He managed the team, developed the programme, supervised film selection and structured the screening schedule, all while leading communication with filmmakers, guests, partners and the host venue.
The achievement showcased Bahrain positively within Britain’s film and cultural sectors, demonstrating that Bahraini creatives can succeed not only as directors and producers but also as leaders of cultural institutions and major events.
The event is also expected to create new opportunities for collaboration between filmmakers in Bahrain and the UK.
Mr Altamimi expressed his pride in leading the prestigious festival and said he hopes the achievement will serve as a catalyst for more Bahraini filmmakers to get involved in international events.
“I am proud that, as a Bahraini filmmaker and producer working in the UK, I was able to lead this event and represent Bahraini talent within the British film sector,” he said.
“This was not an individual achievement. It was made possible by the confidence of the festival board, the work of our team, the filmmakers and the audience who attended and supported the festival.
“I am proud that the success we achieved in Newcastle carries a Bahraini name and demonstrates that Bahraini creatives are capable of leading international cultural and cinematic events at the highest level.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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