Egyptian actor Ahmed Malek has been announced as one of five Arab Stars of Tomorrow, an initiative which is a collaboration between the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) and the UK's Screen International magazine aimed at showcasing and supporting breakthrough talents from the Arab world.

Other talents announced include Haifa-born Palestinian actress Maria Zreik, up-and-coming Emirati actor Marwan Abdullah Saleh, Iraqi director Ayman Al-Shatr and Lebanese director Manon Nammour.

The names were revealed at a press conference held during the ongoing 14th Dubai International Film Festival.

Malek is best known for his role as the young Hassan El-Banna in the series The Brotherhood, as well as Ahmed in the series With Premeditation, and teenage womaniser Adham in the TV series Hayat’s Tale, for which he received recognition among Middle Eastern audiences. 

In 2013, he won a DG Award for ‘Best Young Actor’ for his performance as Ahmed in With Premeditation. Following his success with the role, he was cast in El-Gezira 2 as Ali Mansour Elhefny.

Ahmed Malek most recently appeared in the acclaimed drama Sheikh Jackson, which enjoyed its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. The film is Egypt's nomination for the Foreign Film Academy Awards.

Founded in 1975, Screen International and its website Screendaily.com, which was added in 2001, is a film magazine covering the international film business and is published by Media Business Insight, a British B2B media company. Screen International's headquarters are in UK, but the publication also operates in Hong Kong, Los Angeles and New York.

One of the essential resources for the international film industry, Screen International launched the Stars of Tomorrow initiative in 2015 to identify up-and-coming British and Irish talents. Its cooperation with the Dubai International Film Festival resulted in the launch of the Arab Stars of Tomorrow during the DIFF's 13th edition.

The Arab Stars of Tomorrow is a platform that supports talent from this region’s thriving film industry, bringing them to light internationally.  

Commenting on the selection, Screen International editor Matt Mueller said in DIFF's official press release: “As Arab cinema continues to grow its international footprint, Screen International is delighted to be showcasing these outstanding rising talents. The five actors and filmmakers selected this year are all exceptional and talented individuals and we look forward to supporting their progress as they gain exposure in the international industry and seeing them prosper. Arab Stars of Tomorrow is an initiative that Screen International is extremely proud of and we are delighted to be continuing our partnership for a second year with DIFF, which has been a renowned supporter of Arab talent across the region since it launched.” 

DIFF’s Managing Director Shivani Pandya said: “Fostering and nurturing the growth of Arab talent has always been at the heart of DIFF, and we pride ourselves on granting global exposure to the exceptional talent that is emerging in Arab Cinema. Offering these talented individuals a global platform from which they can grow their profile and prosper into successful filmmakers is something we pride ourselves on and we are incredibly excited to continue this tradition into the festival’s 14th Edition.”

The 14th edition of the Dubai Internation Film Festival runs between 6 and 13 December.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture