Orwa studied acting in Damascus, worked as a journalist for some of the Arab World’s leading newspapers and at the same time as actor. He played the main role in “Le Porte du Soleil” by Yusri Nassrallah (Cannes Official Selection 2004) before dedicating his career to documentary cinema.
Together with Diana El Jeiroudi, Orwa co-founded Proaction Film in Damascus, Syria in 2002, and then the creative documentary film festival DOX BOX. Orwa’s work has been highlighted by leading world-class media outlets, including CBS 60Min, New York Times, Le Monde among others. Recent award-winning films that he produced include Silvered Water (Cannes 2014), Return to Homs (IDFA 2013, SUNDANCE 2014) etc.
In addition to producing, Orwa regularly serves on juries of various film funds, including the IDFA Bertha Fund and the Doha Film Institute Fund. He also works as advisor and tutor for documentary projects for IDFA Academy, South Africa’s Encounters, Qatar’s Qumra and the Balkan Documentary Center. Orwa is a member of the AMPAS, Deutsche Filmakademie, EDN and IDA.
Together with Diana El Jeiroudi, Orwa co-founded Proaction Film in Damascus, Syria in 2002, and then the creative documentary film festival DOX BOX. Orwa’s work has been highlighted by leading world-class media outlets, including CBS 60Min, New York Times, Le Monde among others. Recent award-winning films that he produced include Silvered Water (Cannes 2014), Return to Homs (IDFA 2013, SUNDANCE 2014) etc.
In addition to producing, Orwa regularly serves on juries of various film funds, including the IDFA Bertha Fund and the Doha Film Institute Fund. He also works as advisor and tutor for documentary projects for IDFA Academy, South Africa’s Encounters, Qatar’s Qumra and the Balkan Documentary Center. Orwa is a member of the AMPAS, Deutsche Filmakademie, EDN and IDA.