Osama ElSayed

Filmmaker Showreel

Against the breathtaking, cinematic backdrop of Jordan's Wadi Rum, two remarkable individuals—Abu Khaled and Maliha—are caught at the crossroads of a disappearing nomadic life. Abu Khaled lives with his family, leading a life rooted in Bedouin tradition. Yet, it is the fierce independence of Maliha that drives the film: having rejected her family's relocation to the village, she lives solitary in the vast desert, clinging to the freedom of the empty landscape. As one embraces the collective struggle and the other chooses radical solitude, this intimate documentary asks a universal question: in a world pushing for settlement, what does it truly mean to stay behind?

Turkish artist Esref Armagan is one of the few blind commercial painters in the world. Blind from birth, he learned to draw by touching and copying carved shapes. As he grew older, Armagan adapted techniques which allowed him to add perspective to his work. A few critics suggested that his art was not his own, a claim refuted by those who witnessed him paint. Today, Armagan’s artwork is in demand internationally. He also mentors young visually impaired children, demonstrating how they can achieve their artistic dreams.

When it comes to weddings, Somalia has many approaches. Some couples stick with tradition while others go for more modern marriage ceremonies. This film tells the story of two weddings, one in a small desert village and the other in a busy city, while highlighting everyday life in different parts of the country. It also contrasts traditional ways of life with modern ideas that come from younger Somalis and social media. In the remote rural village of Toon, herder Jamalli Muhammad Ahmed can only marry a local woman called Hoda after first getting permission from her family. In a tradition going back generations, they all gather in the shade of a large tree to decide whether they are a suitable match. Only then can Jamalli and Hoda start planning their lives together. Abdullatif Deeq Omar in Hargeisa city, however, first met his future wife Najma on Facebook. They eloped but eventually returned to their families who accepted their marriage plans. Both weddings have the same pressures: buying outfits, inviting guests, finding a venue and arranging feasts - but each tells a unique story of family, community and tradition.

What happens when the greatest barrier becomes the most profound inspiration? Silence explores the lives and artistic journeys of three deaf creators who challenge conventional perceptions of art and communication. Meet Amira, an actress whose performances transcend auditory limitations; Hanan, a painter whose visual world speaks volumes; and Mohamed, a filmmaker whose unique perspective brings new dimensions to storytelling. This documentary delves into their creative processes, their personal triumphs, and the way their lived experience of silence empowers them to create art that is deeply moving, visually rich, and universally resonant.