Residency artists and researchers Estephan Khattar Director and screenwriter Photo: Jussi Virkkumaa Estephan Khattar is a bold new voice in Arab cinema, a Lebanese director and screenwriter with a sharp eye for storytelling that challenges norms and centers underrepresented voices. A graduate of the Lebanese University’s Faculty of Fine Arts II with a Master’s in Film Directing, Estephan has written and directed several acclaimed short films, including the award-winning Feno (2016) and A Photo, a Hotel, and Her (2019). In 2022, he broke into the TV world by creating and writing his first pan-Arab series, quickly following it with two more, with Blackheart (2026) being his latest. His feature debut, Summer ’58, earned him a spot in the prestigious Film Independent and Global Media Makers LA Residency in 2023. The project was also recognized by the Kone Foundation/Saari Residency and the French Institute and landed on the GLAAD/Black List as one of the most promising unproduced inclusive screenplays. Currently, Estephan is in production on his next short, winner of the 2024 ShorTS Development & Pitching Training’s top prize, and developing his comedy series, which took home the 2024 Red Sea TV Series Lab Award.