DICM 2023 Session Program

Siméon Mirzayantz

Regional Business Manager for CEEMEA & Southern Europe, Glance – Médiamétrie | France

Simeon Mirzayantz studied cinema and art history in France, Canada, and Germany. After his first experiences in production for TV and cinema in Paris, he worked for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the audiovisual department of the Embassies of France in Serbia, in Hungary, and in Russia. In 2019, he joined Médiamétrie where he became Regional Business Manager for CEEMEA & Southern Europe of Glance – Médiamétrie. He is currently based in Vienna, Austria.

Shujah Farooq

Global Sales - EMEA Director of Business Development, OTTera | USA

Shujah is an entertainment executive with extensive international experience in OTT, film, music & games distribution as well as in content acquisition. He has been in the content industry for over 10 years; always in companies bringing new technical innovation to the content market, Shujah built several VOD services across Europe, before spending 5 years as the European content partnerships manager at Huawei where he launched Huawei Video in Europe. Prior to that, he worked for various tech companies servicing telcos all around the world. Shujah joined OTTera in October 2020, expending OTTera’s FAST and apps launches on CTV in Europe, Africa and MENA, as well as expending OTTera’s collaboration with local advertising companies and media agencies in EMEA.

Fares Sayegh

Chief Executive Officer, Roya Media Group | Jordan

Fares M. Sayegh is the chief executive officer and shareholder of Roya Media Group (RMG), the largest and leading privately owned media company in Jordan. A group of specialized platforms and companies synergized to provide multiplatform services. Prior to holding this position, Sayegh was the GM of WTV, which was acquired by Sayegh Group in 2009 and re-launched on January 1st, 2011, as Roya TV, one of RMG platforms. Between 2005 and 2011, the young entrepreneur held several executive roles in the industrial sector, including working as the Owner Representative, GM and shareholder of National Paints in Romania, and as the GM of National Canning Industries in Jordan. Sayegh is also a member of the board of directors at Sayegh Group and board of trustees at the Royal Health Awareness Society. In 2020, Sayegh received the Deutsche Welle (DW) Freedom of Speech Award, as Roya TV "contributed to providing up-to-date information on COVID-19." Before entering the workforce, Mr. Sayegh earned a Bachelor of Science degree in System Industrial Engineering from Ohio State University (2004).

Nadine Samra

Chief Business Officer, Weyyak | United Arab Emirates

Nadine Samra, Chief Business Officer for Weyyak. Has 20 years of experience in digital business and technologies. Awarded “Female broadcast executive of the year” by BroadcastPro in 2020. She has launched two OTT Arabic platforms, currently runs “Weyyak.com” and have managed “Shahid.net” earlier in her career. Previously the head of digital operations of MBC Group. Known speaker in MENA region and digital media subject matter expert.

Ahmed Qandil

Director of Growth and Brand Marketing, Shahid (MBC GROUP) | United Arab Emirates

Ahmed Qandil is currently the Director of Growth and Brand Marketing for Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform, part of MBC GROUP. With over 17 years of experience in digital media, content publishing, and video on demand platforms, Ahmed has a proven track record in marketing and commercial. He initially joined MBC GROUP, as a digital marketing expert to boost the group's digital audience and advertising revenue. Since then, he has held various roles across marketing, product, and commercial functions within the group. One of his notable achievements was the re-launch of Shahid, MBC’s VOD & SVOD platform, while managing the product management team. Currently, Ahmed is responsible for driving the growth and retention of customers on Shahid's SVOD tier, as well as increasing the ad revenues on the AVOD tier. He also leads the group's efforts in combatting piracy. His goal is to maintain Shahid's position as the leading regional player across all OTT services.

Yann Colleter

Founder, The Streaming Lab | United Arab Emirates

Yann is the Founder of THE STREAMING LAB, a streaming media consultancy focused on premium content distribution, market intelligence, content marketing, business representation and OTT/CTV Advertising. He is also the writer of a newsletter about streaming in MENA gathering 1,800+ streaming professionals: thestreaminglab.com Previously, he was the Head of Sales Middle East & Africa at Grey Juice Lab, a premium OTT content aggregator specialised in Hollywood studios distribution. He has helped build content strategies for brands like StarzPlay, Mobily, Telkom, Celcom, Cablevision, Telekom Slovenia, Globe Telecom, etc. Yann was the Co-Founder of ChatFood, a powerful mobile ordering and marketing solution for leading hospitality brands that got acquired by a European unicorn. He started is career helping the French Telecom company Orange acquire one of the internet’s most popular streaming service, Dailymotion.

Münür Üstün

Executive Board member, İstanbul Ticaret Odası | Turkiye

Executive Board member, İstanbul Ticaret Odası

Yuliya Fischer

Director Drama, ZDF Studios | Germany

After completing her studies in German, French and Economics at Treves University in 2010, Yuliya Fischer began her professional career as a Production Assistant and Trainee at Broadview TV in Cologne, Germany. In 2012, she started working for ZDF Studios and held various positions in general distribution and the department of children’s and junior programs with responsibility for program sales to Spain, Benelux, French-speaking territories, and Latin America. In 2013, Yuliya took on the position of sales executive in in ZDF Studios‘ drama department. Parallel to her work, she studied at the University of London International Programmes and graduated with a diploma in management in 2018. The same year, Yuliya Fischer was promoted to Director Drama and has since been in charge of acquisition and sales in Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Tony Saab

SVP Content & Strategic Partnerships, STARZPLAY | United Arab Emirates

Tony Saab is the Senior Vice President of Content and Strategic Partnerships at STARZPLAY, which is ranked consistently amongst the region’s top three subscription video on demand services. STARZPLAY brings the best of entertainment and sports in one app and is available in 19 countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. Tony joined STARZPLAY in 2023 and is responsible for developing and implementing content acquisition and original production strategies. This includes all aspects of content acquisition, programming, and production for various genres, including movies, series, documentaries, and kids’ content. Tony’s role also entails building as well as renewing strategic relationships with regional and global players to bring premium content for STARZPLAY subscribers across the MENA region. In his previous role, Tony headed up the content and production team at Intigral, overseeing and leading content acquisition with the UAE and KSA as his key markets. Supporting the company’s content portfolio for 13 years, he was responsible for managing the operational and technology capability of Intigral’s IPTV and OTT broadcast operations. His previous roles also include Head of Resources at Sharjah Media Corporation as well as Head of Presentation at Rotana. Tony holds an executive MBA degree in Business, Management and Marketing from the American University College of Technology in Lebanon and a Bachelor’s degree in Insurance from St. Joseph University of Beirut in addition to Data Centre certifications from CNet. Tony is also a member of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Based in Dubai with his family, Tony finds joy in the experience of motorcycle riding in his free time.

Ali Jaafar

Senior Creative Manager, Feature Film Division, MBC Studios | United Arab Emirates

Ali Jaafar is the senior creative manager of the feature film division at MBC STUDIOS. He has been building out MBC STUDIOS’ feature film strategy, with a particular focus on producing Saudi Arabian films and also attracting international films to come to the Kingdom. Between 2021-2023, MBC Studios has produced six Saudi feature films, as well as co-producing Kandahar starring Gerard Butler and producing Desert Warrior, directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring Anthony Mackie, Sir Ben Kingsley and Aiysha Hart.

Joachim Landau

CEO & Producer, Federation Middle East Africa Caribbean | France

Doctor in Political Science and Producer of documentaries, streams, brand content, VR and TV SERIES for 15 years (Orange, Empreinte Digitale, Federation Studios). After more than 10 years with Empreinte Digitale, he co-founded and became producer of FEDERATION MEAC, the new subsidiary of the french production company FEDERATION STUDIOS, whose aim is to produce and co-produce Films, TV Series, High End Documentaries with the African continent, the Middle East and the Caribbean. The DNA of this subsidiary is pop culture and genre cinema with a local and authentic anchoring.

Fadi Ismail

Founder, DKL Studio | United Arab Emirates

A British Lebanese executive with 30 years of experience in Arab Media and in Content strategy. Fadi`s strength is in Content: creation, development, production, distribution, and co-productions. His passion is in elevating Arab content to international quality and reach. Fadi left MBC Group in April 2019 to launch his own ProdCo in Dubai and develop premium content. DKL`s first 12-episode thriller - The Dean - has been exclusively shown on Shahid VIP and MBC. 3 Saudi feature Films have been produced in 2021 one of which- Before We Forget – قبل ان ننس ى was released theatrically and then on Shahid VIP, as well as 2 drama series : Al Zahiriya- الزاهرية and Loss - فق د while two other films, a Romcom and thriller/horror film are to be released soon. Fadi is an Executive Producer for MBC Studio flagship Saudi series and developing 3 other projects. He has also been a consultant for several recent media entertainment and news-related projects. He has had diverse responsibilities since 1991 in News, its international operations as well as Current Affairs talk shows at MBC channel and later on for al Arabiya news channel which he was part of its launching team. He oversaw the production of tens of documentaries in its early years. Since 2004 Fadi has been part of MBC senior management in charge of Drama production, acquisitions, and distribution. Being the first in the world to discover the value of Turkish content in 2007, he became in charge of acquiring 1000s of hours of mainly Turkish. Fadi pioneered in adapting drama scripted formats and long telenovela series in Arabic, as well as in innovative high-end productions such as Omar and CGI-dependent Saraya Abdeen. He also introduced American writing room techniques in script development. He established O3 which became the biggest player in Arabic and Turkish drama, first in Dubai (2002), then in Cairo (2011). In 2013, O3 Media was launched in Istanbul which became among the top 3 drama production companies in Turkey. As MBC Group Director of Drama, Fadi commissioned and executive produced, tens of Arab drama series). Some of the highest rated series with the highest production values and innovative edgy content that he oversaw were: Omar- Saraya Abdeen- Al Ustura-The Palace- Garabeeb Soud – Sahirat al Janoub, Selfie 1-2-3 and al Asouf 1&2. Fadi Pioneered many years back in the production of the kind of content that became now a norm; short series with high production values that attract a younger audience: 04 and Cactus Alliance and Boxing Girls. He oversaw the development of a slate of projects for coproduction with international European and American production companies. In the last 2 years, Fadi has been a consultant for different Media Entertainment and News projects. Fadi contributed to tens of international and regional media exhibitions, conferences and workshops in LA, NY, London, Miami and has regularly attended the world`s biggest TV exhibition –MIP in Cannes - for 20 consecutive years. He has an MA in Middle East Studies from the American University of Beirut(AUB) and an incomplete PhD in Middle East Studies from the University of Durham, in the UK.

Abdulla Al Suwaidi

Business Development - Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Production City | United Arab Emirates

Business Development - Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Production City

Saliee Waly

Founder & CEO, S Productions | United Arab Emirates

Saliee Waly, the CEO of S Productions, has left an indelible mark on the MENA entertainment landscape. Born and raised in Cairo, her journey from Misr University for Science and Technology to advertising, and eventually into movies and series, showcases her unwavering commitment to storytelling. As the youngest female producer, she introduced the first-ever Arabic musical drama, post-apocalyptic, and innovative US formats to the MENA region. Through S Productions, Saliee has redefined TV series production, consistently delivering high-quality content, earning prestigious accolades, and reshaping the industry with innovation and unwavering dedication to storytelling.

Victor Ukmar

Senior Manager, Red Arrow Studios International | Germany

Quadrilingual sales manager and communication expert with sales experience in the territories CEE/CIS, Greece & Middle East • Competitive Intelligence Manager at ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE between 2016 - 2019 • Sales Manager at Red Arrow Studios International between 2019 - 2023 responsible for CEE/CIS, Greece, and Middle East • Senior Sales Manager Red Arrow Studios International between 2023- present responsible for CEE/CIS, Greece, and Middle East

Sabine Sursock

Co-Founder, Sugar Rush Productions | Lebanon

Sabine Sursock is a co-founder and executive producer of Sugar Rush Productions, a pioneering production company and a key player in the Arab media landscape with its innovative approach to storytelling and strong emphasis on youth. Sabine's media journey began in Paris, where she specialized in format adaptations, including iconic shows like Fort Boyard and Survivor, before making her mark in the Middle East by championing high-profile formats such as The X-Factor and Arabs Got Talent. In 2012, she co-founded Sugar Rush Productions, which went on to produce generational flagship shows such as Laish La, Wain El Heen, and the Kalam Fi El Hob series. For over a decade, Sugar Rush Productions has prioritized the youth and digital generation, ushering in a dynamic era of storytelling in Arab media. Through a blend of original content and international format adaptations, Sugar Rush has bridged the gap between traditional television and digital platforms, launching groundbreaking content that amplifies the authentic Arab voices. The production company, driven by authenticity and excellence, has also recently ventured into scripted content and documentary series. Today, Sugar Rush Productions has carved a unique space for itself in the Middle Eastern market, keeping its finger on the pulse of the region, serving as a catalyst for fresh narratives and perspectives in the ever-evolving media landscape.

Anahita Kheder

EVP EMEA, Formats & Licensing, International, Fremantle | United Arab Emirates

Anahita has been in the entertainment industry for over 20 years spanning music, sport and television. Prior to joining Fremantle, Ana was Senior Entertainment Broker at The Rights Lawyers, where she worked on a variety of rights exploitation portfolios across TV and other platforms. Her other roles included Marketing Manager for PUMA Middle East, as well as Regional Marketing Manager for BMG (now known as Sony Music). Since setting up Fremantle’s Dubai offices in 2011, she has expanded the business to cover over 100 countries spanning Middle East, Africa, Southeast Europe & CEE / CIS.

Nathalie Habib

Co-Owner & Executive Producer, Blink Studios | United Arab Emirates

As Co-Owner and Executive Producer, Nathalie continues strengthening Blink Studios’ positioning as the Middle East's premier film and animation studio since its inception in 2005, maintaining a globally recognized standard of quality-driven production for children and family content. Blink Studios is among the select Middle East studios that successfully delivered co-produced shows to global audiences through partnerships with BBC, Turner Broadcasting, and Sesame Workshop. Today, Blink Studios proudly operates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with presence in Los Angeles and Houston. Nearing a two-decade legacy of service work, co-productions, and development of original IPs, Blink is fast approaching in producing the “firsts” of children and family originals from the heart of the Middle East that will entertain international audiences and generate global returns on investment.

Rohit D'silva

Chief Business Officer – Middle East and South Africa, Viu | United Arab Emirates

Rohit is currently Chief Business Officer-Middle East and South Africa for the Viu online video streaming platform. He leads teams based out of Dubai, Cairo, and Johannesburg and is responsible for User Acquisition & Retention, Marketing, Content (Originals and Acquisitions), Distribution, Partnerships, Advertising Sales and the P&L. He is currently based out of Dubai. Rohit is a media, sports, gaming, and esports executive with 15+ years in leadership roles across Asia Pacific and Middle East with Fox Networks Group, a division of 21st Century Fox, including as Head of Sports for Asia, Head of Commercial for Asia Pacific & Middle East, Managing Director for South East Asia & Australia, and Managing Director for Middle East and North Africa. Rohit completed the Advanced Management Program at The Wharton School, has an MBA from S.P. Jain Institute of Management, Mumbai and a Bachelors in Engineering from VJTI, Mumbai.

Laura Ghisiglieri

Director of Marketing & Global Development | Argentina

Laura is the Director of Marketing & Global Development at BB Media. With over 8 years of experience in the Media and Entertainment industry, Laura has successfully built and led the communication and press team. She is BB Media's main representative in the U.S. market while also overseeing teams in Europe and Asia. Laura's remarkable career has been recognized with awards and honorable mentions from prestigious international associations, including OTT.x. Her primary objective is to provide strategic guidance to content buyers and sellers as they pursue their growth objectives, all grounded in data-informed decision-making.

Andy Grant

Vice President - Programming, OSN+ | United Arab Emirates

Andy Grant is the Vice President Programming at OSN, the region’s leading entertainment company for premium, must-see content. With a career spanning over 15 years, Andy has achieved remarkable success in creating and managing digital entertainment products, as well as delivering major UI/UX projects from inception to launch. In his current role, Andy is responsible for leading content teams across various platforms, including SVOD, TVOD/EST, and DTH on-demand products. During his tenure, he has implemented a data-driven approach to consumer behavior, enabling effective content identification, acquisition, and curation for SVOD. Leveraging data insights, Andy influences the wider content acquisition and commissioning strategy, while also maximizing the value of content releases to contribute to overall product growth plans. With his extensive experience in digital entertainment and content licensing, Andy plays a crucial role in shaping the programming landscape at OSN. Prior to joining OSN, Andy served as the Manager of Passenger Entertainment & Communications at Emirates, where he oversaw entertainment strategy creation and product management. Under his leadership, Emirates was awarded the title of "World's Best Inflight Entertainment" at the SKYTRAX 2017 World Airline Awards. Andy holds a Bachelor's degree in German Language & Literature from the University of Leeds.

Marius Johansen

Director of Content Operations & Editorial, Shahid | United Arab Emirates

Marius Johansen is a seasoned streaming operations and editorial leader, now at Shahid. Known for scaling OTT businesses with sustainable content plans, innovative operations leveraging AI and launching FAST in MENA

Rani Sukkari

Director of Marketing, MBC Group | United Arab Emirates

Rani Sukkari is a seasoned marketing executive with over 17 years of experience. Currently holding the role of Director of Marketing at the esteemed Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC) in Dubai, he has previously served as the Head of Marketing for MBC 4 and Pro Sports. Throughout his career, Rani has had the privilege of contributing to exceptional achievements, including driving revenues exceeding $500 million and reaching an extensive audience of over 40 million. He possesses a strong aptitude for strategic digital planning, content creation, and leveraging research to gain valuable audience insights. Rani's expertise in developing impactful go-to-market strategies and effectively positioning program offerings has played a significant role in MBC's success as a leading media organization. With a Bachelor of Arts degree from the American University of Beirut, Rani combines his educational background with extensive industry experience to navigate the competitive media landscape. He remains dedicated to continuous improvement and an innovative mindset, striving to deliver exceptional results for MBC and make meaningful contributions to the marketing field.

Dina Korayem

Executive Producer / Distribution, UMS | Egypt

Executive Producer / Distribution, UMS

Nadia Eliewat

CEO, Ta Films | United Arab Emirates

Nadia Eliewat is a Jordanian producer, screenwriter and script editor. In 2015, she established Screen Project production company in Jordan. In 2022, she joined the UAE based Ta Films as a CEO and Creative Producer to build the company’s slate alongside the industry’s veterans Sangeeta Desai and Shivani Pandya. Nadia is best known for producing and co-writing the Lebanese box-office hit MAHBAS (Solitaire) (2016), with over 110,000 admissions in the MENA release, the Jordanian film WHEN MONALIZA SMILED (2012) and the first OSN original feature YELLOW BUS (2023) which premiere in Toronto Film Festival. Currently in development, Nadia is working on the Yemeni feature THE STATION, by Sara Ishaq which has received several funds including HBF, DFI, Jordan Film Fund and was part of Cannes’ L’Atelier (2020). And two feature films by the Saudi filmmaker Mujtaba Saeed, DROWNING and MECCA-BERLIN. In 2017, Nadia managed the Dubai Film Market; the business hub of Dubai International Film Festival. She holds the academic rank of Associate Professor after teaching filmmaking at the American University in Dubai 2010-2017.

Jamal Sannan

CEO, Eagle Films | United Arab Emirates

Jamal Sannan is the founder and CEO of Eagle Films, a multi-business production company, based in the Middle East since the beginning. Jamal is an aspiring film distributor in Hollywood, a hardworking sports producer who produces the best local Arabic artistic content, and a producer of some Hollywood films in addition to his family legacy in the field of cinematography. Growing up in the United States of America in a home with Middle Eastern roots combined to enrich Jamal's personality and enable him to fully comprehend and understand different cultures. After his education, he established his office in Los Angeles with the aim of obtaining distribution rights for Hollywood films in the Middle East, following his passion for cinematic work. Since its founding, Eagle Films has been committed to effectiveness, which has led to it being ranked number one in providing artistic content to combat hunger. This steady growth is a testament to Jamal's endeavor to build on its own contributions to the market and strong, quality partnerships. The technicians represented many of the company's employees in opening new wings. At Kate Doll, let's meet a company we recognize in the field of producing new digital effects. Through strategic partnerships with international studios in the field of films, and prominent partnerships with television broadcast channels, cable networks, directors, actors, and media, in the field of film production, which has strengthened our relations in the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the Middle East. Jamal's presence in the Arab market was marked by the flourishing of multiple cinematic films, through the modernization of cinemas in Hollywood, in order to revive the cinematic heritage rooted in families. Every year, Jamal writes more than 300 American films for distribution in all countries of the Arab world. Eagle Films also offers a variety of wonderful artistic content that has won many local and international awards and nominations. Eagle Films Arabia is an arm that produces local content for the company. It has developed significantly since its founding in 2010. Today, Eagle Films Arabia possesses the latest and most innovative equipment for local production according to the international method of producing films and television series. It also enhances the company's progress towards achieving global preferences. The audience’s requirements for all games and intellectual diversity, with a focus on the requirements and aspirations of the future, and Jamal celebrations have always been present in producing the best Arab artistic content in this digital age. Since 2014 and for three consecutive years, Jamal has been honored by Murex Door as the best Lebanese and European producer and has also been awarded the Chosen Award several times by accredited local magazines in the Middle East as an ambitious young business leader in the field of entertainment and arts. Film industry, Eagle Films Arabia has won the Best Film of 2013 award and Best Production for the Ramadan Series in the past five years in a row.

Badih Fattouh

CEO, Creative Venture | United Arab Emirates

Badih Fattouh has been working in the TV broadcast industry in MENA region since the 90s when he participated in launching New TV & Future TV in Lebanon. In 1999 he joined MBC group where he worked for 13 years becoming the group’s director of content overlooking Arabic content acquisition and commissioning in addition to international format acquisition. In 2012 he briefly headed CBC in Egypt as the network’s CEO before establishing Creative Venture out of Dubai as a boutique production and distribution company. During his network’s career he participated in bringing to the screen numerous successful shows (Bob El Hara, King Farouk, Al Barnameg, The Voice) to name a few. Creative Venture produced and co-produced several shows such as: Sak El Bamboo, Khalsana Be Shayaka, AI: The Future is Now Beauty Match among others.

Sila Khair

Managing Partner, Sama Art | United Arab Emirates

Managing Partner, Sama Art

Khaled Hatrash

Senior Operations Manager, Dubai Studio City | United Arab Emirates

Senior Operations Manager, Dubai Studio City

William Page

Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel, 1001 | Iraq

For over a decade, William Page has been deeply involved in the film and media sector. He possesses a sharp strategic mind and a profound grasp of contemporary challenges, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the intricacies of nurturing startups and of the wider media sector. William currently holds the position of Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel for 1001, one of the Middle East's rapidly expanding OTT platforms. Additionally, he offers his strategic expertise to Sharqiya, a leading broadcaster in the region. At 1001, William is involved in guiding the company's trajectory, curating its content portfolio, managing acquisitions, and enhancing its production framework. William is a lawyer with over 15 years experience and holds dual qualifications from England and New South Wales, William has a BA from Leeds University, an MBA from MGSM in Sydney, and is finalizing his PhD at the University of Sydney.

Ezgi Eskikanbur

Sales Manager, DigiGuardians | Turkiye

My journey in the media industry began at the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, where I delved into the media ecosystem. With on-field experiences in research and development, focusing globally on content sales and content trends, I have gained pivotal insights in strategy development that unraveled the rapidly evolving content landscape and the dynamic shifts in audience behavior within the digital media realm. After refining my expertise for eight years in content sales and global content trends, I embarked on a new chapter as a Sales Manager with DigiGuardians to expand the company's global footprint, transitioning from tracking content trends to combatting content piracy. At DigiGuardians, we are devoted to elevating intellectual property potential and safeguarding against losses caused by pirated copies for ten years. DigiGuardians combines cutting-edge technology with legal and media expertise. Our state-of-the-art AI-based software, adept at simulating user behavior, operates 7/24, diligently scanning every digital corner to detect infringements and offer comprehensive solutions. Together, we form a force, empowering the creative world and fostering a secure and thriving digital landscape for authentic, innovative content by safeguarding the original. As DigiGuardians, we pave the way for a strong creative ecosystem.

Laura Ghisiglieri

Director of Marketing & Global Development | Argentina

Laura is the Director of Marketing & Global Development at BB Media. With over 8 years of experience in the Media and Entertainment industry, Laura has successfully built and led the communication and press team. She is BB Media's main representative in the U.S. market while also overseeing teams in Europe and Asia. Laura's remarkable career has been recognized with awards and honorable mentions from prestigious international associations, including OTT.x. Her primary objective is to provide strategic guidance to content buyers and sellers as they pursue their growth objectives, all grounded in data-informed decision-making.

Nathalie Habib

Co-Owner & Executive Producer, Blink Studios | United Arab Emirates

As Co-Owner and Executive Producer, Nathalie continues strengthening Blink Studios’ positioning as the Middle East's premier film and animation studio since its inception in 2005, maintaining a globally recognized standard of quality-driven production for children and family content. Blink Studios is among the select Middle East studios that successfully delivered co-produced shows to global audiences through partnerships with BBC, Turner Broadcasting, and Sesame Workshop. Today, Blink Studios proudly operates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with presence in Los Angeles and Houston. Nearing a two-decade legacy of service work, co-productions, and development of original IPs, Blink is fast approaching in producing the “firsts” of children and family originals from the heart of the Middle East that will entertain international audiences and generate global returns on investment.

Seyed Vahid Olyaee

Creative Producer, Dream Farm Studios | United Kingdom

Seyed Vahid Olyaee, born on April 23, 1979, is a multi-award-winning art researcher, acclaimed film producer, linguist, script doctor, and musician. His extensive portfolio boasts numerous prestigious awards for artistic achievements, alongside a notable track record of organizing international workshops and seminars, primarily centered on the profound influence and global significance of storytelling. Vahid has consistently emphasized a fundamental aspect of artistic expression: the global aim of conveying messages through storytelling. He strongly believes that all forms of artistic manifestation, spanning from primitive cave paintings to avant-garde contemporary creations, share a common overarching purpose - to engage, inspire, fascinate, and enlighten audiences. Given the excessive spread of AI and its deep integration into everyday life, especially among children, Vahid's recent conferences have concentrated on the manipulation and subsequent inculcation of role models, values, and ethics into young minds, addressing the crucial need to navigate the challenges posed by AI's omnipresent influence.

Allen LO

Deputy GM, Fantawild International Limited | China

With a profound understanding of both global content and themed attractions market, he has been exploring in the international market for over 10 years, and is still searching more opportunities in different business segments with his lovely teammates, from content distribution to brand licensing, from social media & MCN operation to international co-production & brand management in China. His team has distributed great content from China to over 130 countries, with its most popular brand “Boonie Bears” aired on Disney, Netflix, DirecTV, Hulu, Sony, Discovery Kids etc., and released theatrically in more than 60 countries.

Michèle Massonnat

Head of Sales and Acquisition, Cyber Group Studios | France

Massonnat, who joined Cyber Group Studios in 2018,is an accomplished senior distribution professional with over 25 years of international experience in TV distribution. She has been in the animation business 99% of her career. She worked with the major Franch company: Mediatoon Distribution, Gaumont Animation andnow Cyber Group Studios. With the Head Office in Paris-France, Cyber Group Studios has also office in Los Angles-USA and Studios in Roubaix-France Cyber Group Studios has 3 other studios : A Productions in UK, Graphilm Entertainment in Italy and Scrawl Animation in Singapore. Cyber Group Studios' team is driven by a passion for creating great stories targeted to a global audience on all continents. Its five production studios share a strong culture of innovation, offering audiences the best storytelling, animation, and music experience. Cyber Group Studios produces its own content and distributes third-party productions that are distributed worldwide on all digital and linear platforms.