Jihan el-Tahri, a multifaceted Egyptian creative force, boasts a rich educational foundation in political science from the esteemed American University in Cairo. Her illustrious professional journey commenced as a news correspondent for distinguished British and American newspapers, where she skillfully covered the Middle East and Africa, offering perceptive and in-depth reporting on the region's intricate and multifaceted political landscape, providing invaluable insights into the complex dynamics at play.
Notable Egyptian journalist, writer, director, and producer, Mona el-Tahri, has showcased her remarkable adaptability and breadth of expertise throughout her esteemed professional trajectory. Her impressive body of work encompasses a diverse array of documentary films, books, and reports that have garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards. These productions have provided insightful explorations of the complex, often tumultuous political landscapes that characterize the Middle East and Africa, offering a nuanced understanding of the region's intricate dynamics and the multifaceted challenges that shape its trajectory.
Mona el-Tahri's biography:
Born in Egypt, Mona el-Tahri has dedicated her career to shedding light on the pressing issues affecting the Middle East and Africa. Her in-depth reporting and storytelling have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Peabody Award, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award, and the Amnesty International Film Prize. As a writer, director, and producer, el-Tahri has worked with various international news organizations, including the BBC, Al Jazeera, and The New York Times. Her work has also been featured in prominent publications such as The Guardian, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times.
In the year 1990, she embarked on a novel and pivotal chapter in her professional trajectory, assuming the dual roles of director and producer for a diverse array of documentaries, with a focus on French television and international broadcasters.
Her remarkable and extensive body of work is replete with a plethora of critically acclaimed and award-winning productions, including the prize-winning film "Behind the Rainbow", the highly-regarded documentary "Cuba: An African Odyssey", and the Emmy-nominated "House of Saud".
Egypt's Modern Pharaohs, a groundbreaking trilogy of films, serves as the crowning achievement of El-Tahri's most recent endeavors, thanks to the generous support of the Doha Film Institute. This ambitious project delves into the lives of three pivotal figures in Egyptian history: Gamal Abdel Nasser, Anwar Sadat, and Hosni Mubarak.
In addition to this notable accomplishment, El-Tahri has also made significant contributions to the world of film through her involvement with FEPACI, the Federation of Pan-African Cinema. As a member of the Executive Bureau, she has played a vital role in shaping the direction and goals of the organization.
Furthermore, El-Tahri has also held the esteemed position of Secretary General of the Guild of African Filmmakers in the Diaspora. This role has allowed her to utilize her expertise and influence to promote the work and interests of African filmmakers worldwide, both within and beyond the diaspora community.
Jihan el-Tahri, a pioneering force in the realm of documentary filmmaking, has forged an illustrious career that is a resounding tribute to her unshakeable commitment to the art of storytelling and her unyielding fervor for illuminating the intricate nuances of the Middle East and Africa.
