Doha, Qatar: Egyptian director Yasser Ashour, who followed the life of veteran Syrian actor Jamal Soliman for his documentary My Story, emphasised the critical importance of Arab voices sharing their own narratives.
Addressing a media briefing at Doha Film Festival, he said: “We are missing this in the Arab world. We don’t have the chance to tell our stories.
I wait for platforms like DFF to give me a chance to tell stories that relate to me as an Arab citizen, not only what others find important.”
My Story offers a rare glimpse into Soliman’s world, with Ashour describing him as more than a celebrity, but a multi-dimensional figure: “Sometimes you feel like you’re in therapy, or sitting with your father, or brother, or an actor who’s just starting his life, or a veteran artist People approach him as a friend.”
During a 13-year absence from his homeland of Syria, Soliman found himself embraced by an Egyptian audience, even as he missed the passing of both his parents. Earlier this year, he finally returned home. My Story, in partnership with Jazeera 360, explores the seasons of Soliman’s life, reflecting on his “tough winter” and anticipating his “new spring,” reflecting experiences of diaspora and resilience.
Soliman, who starred in al-Taghreba al-Falastenya, Four Seasons and Hada’eq el-shaytan, received the DFF 2025 Creative Excellence Award during the opening ceremony, recognising his contributions to performing arts.
Ashour expressed gratitude to DFF for giving filmmakers a platform to share their work with the world: “Documentaries aren’t films that people make to get rich. Watching the film here at Doha Film Festival makes me feel there is hope that this isn’t a singular experience. Maybe we can keep making movies we love.”
Held until November 28, 2025, Doha Film Festival marks the bold next chapter in Doha Film Institute’s mission to nurture regional talent and champion urgent and authentic stories in cinema.
