Mariam Al-Dhubhani is an award-winning Yemeni-Russian journalist, filmmaker, curator, and educator based in the SWANA region. A 3x TEDx speaker and pioneer in using virtual reality to tell stories from Yemen, she creates work that amplifies marginalized voices and challenges mainstream narratives. Her films have received multiple accolades, including the Most Promising Filmmaker award at the Toronto Arab Film Festival (2019) for In The Middle. She was honoured as a Rising Star at the inaugural QF Alumni Awards by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and named a CineGouna Rising Star at the El Gouna Film Festival, establishing her as a leading voice in Arab and African cinema.
Al-Dhubhani holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Strategic Communication from Northwestern University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Museum and Gallery Practice from University College London. She has mentored young storytellers in conflict zones, served on juries for international film grants and festivals, and collaborated with UN agencies to train journalists in immersive storytelling. Her work blends human stories with innovative cinematic approaches to explore resilience, identity, and the unseen lives of her communities. She is currently completing her feature debut, showcased at prestigious festivals including Cannes, IDFA, and Venice.

Participant in: August 2024 Fellowship: The Arts as a Tool for Peacebuilding