Mona Zaki and a new approach towards the world of production

The Hollywood Arab Film Festival revealed that star Mona Zaki will participate, for the first time; As a producer, within the activities of its fifth session, which will be held from April 17 to 20 in Los Angeles.

Mona Zaki is embarking on her first experience in the field of production, through the film “Alone”, which is being shown for the first time globally, in the short film competition, in a step that reflects her desire to expand within the film industry, away from acting.

This work comes as an extension of the vision of the company “Her Story Films”, which she founded in 2023, with the aim of supporting women in the film industry, and giving them the opportunity to present stories that express their reality and different experiences.

Impactful humane treatment:

The film, written and directed by Mona Daoud, deals with a profound human issue, through the story of an elderly woman who suffers from “dementia,” and refuses to acknowledge her illness, in parallel with the psychological suffering experienced by the person responsible for her care, in a dramatic treatment that reflects multiple dimensions of loneliness.

This step represents a new addition to Mona Zaki’s career, as she is moving towards presenting works of a humanitarian nature, dealing with realistic issues, which contributes to enhancing the presence of women and presenting a more diverse and realistic image of them in cinema.

Mona Zaki announced, through her official Instagram account, the selection of the film for its world premiere, as part of the festival’s activities, where she wrote: “We are pleased to announce the selection of our short film (Alone), directed by Mona Dawoud, which was part of the first batch of the Women’s Story Film Incubator, for its world premiere at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, in the short films category.”

• 

The fifth session celebrates new voices:

The activities of the fifth edition of the Hollywood Arab Film Festival will start from April 17 to 20, 2026, at The Culver Theater in Los Angeles, within the atmosphere of Arab American Heritage Month, which is celebrated annually during the month of April.

This cinematic event comes; As a platform established in the heart of Hollywood; To shed light on the experiences of Arab and North African filmmakers, and open a wider window for them; To reach an international audience. Since its launch, the festival has worked to support new cinematic voices and provide a space that enables directors and artists to showcase their work and share their creative visions with a culturally diverse audience.

The festival also focuses on enhancing the global presence of Arab cinema, by presenting a selection of films that reflect its artistic and human diversity, in addition to organizing professional events, including: dialogue sessions, seminars, and meetings that bring together filmmakers, experts, and the public, which opens the way for in-depth discussions about the reality of the industry and the challenges it faces.

This cinematic gathering aims to build cultural bridges between the East and the West through the “Seventh Art”, by providing a common space for dialogue, discovery, and the exchange of narratives, which enhances a broader understanding of the contemporary Arab experience in cinema, within the region, or in the diaspora.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter