Six Arab Series Projects Participate in the 6th Edition of Mosalsalat Screenwriters Lab in Petra
Amman – 17 June 2026
The Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC) successfully concluded the sixth edition of Mosalsalat Screenwriters Lab (MSL), held in Petra from 12 to 16 June 2026, with the participation of six selected Jordanian and Arab series projects developed by emerging and established screenwriters from the region.
This year’s edition took place at Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort in Taybeh – Petra, offering fellows an immersive creative environment shaped by Jordan’s cultural heritage, historical depth, and serene landscape. The location provided a distinctive setting for focused writing, reflection, and exchange, while reinforcing the RFC’s commitment to creating meaningful development spaces for storytellers from Jordan and the Arab region. Throughout the Lab, fellows also took part in community-based and cultural activities that allowed them to engage more closely with Jordanian heritage, listen to stories connected to the history of the surrounding places, and experience the cultural richness of Petra and its wider landscape. These encounters were designed to deepen their connection to place, encourage reflection, and inspire their creative process.
Mosalsalat Screenwriters Lab continues to support the development of original Arab series at a crucial stage, providing selected fellows with tailored mentorship, constructive feedback, and practical tools to strengthen their projects’ dramatic structure, characters, tone, world-building, and long-form storytelling potential.
The selection process was supported by a group of local, regional and international Creative Consultants, whose role included reviewing this year’s 112 submitted projects and contributing to the careful selection of the participating projects. The Creative Consultants were Dana Atrach from Palestine/USA, Hiba Chihane from Lebanon, Hossam Elkholy from Egypt, Majd Hijjawi from Jordan, Mira El Koussa from Lebanon, Nadim Tabet from Lebanon/Italy, Rulan Hasan from Jordan/Saudi Arabia, Sara Alghabra from Syria/Turkey, Zaid Baqaeen from Jordan, and Zeina Shanaah from Jordan/USA.
Six projects were selected to participate in the Lab:
- “Heaven’s Guarantees” by Beshoy Youssef from Egypt
- “Still Alive” by Donia Khamis and Raghad Ahmad from Saudi Arabia
- “Status Quo” by Gilbert Karam and Hiba Louis from Lebanon
- “Out of Service” by Houssam Sharabati from Syria
- “Sunstroke” by Mariam Mekiwi from Egypt
- “Walla La Nkayyef (I Promise, We Will Have Fun)” by Zaid Bawab and Fadi Zaghmout from Jordan
Over the course of the Lab, the fellows took part in an intensive development program combining one-on-one advisory sessions, group discussions, peer-to-peer feedback, guided creative meetings, masterclasses, and screenings of previous works by both Creative Advisors and fellows. The program was designed to help each participant deepen their understanding of their series concept, refine their pilot episode, and further develop a coherent series bible with stronger dramatic direction and production potential.
The fellows were mentored by a group of distinguished Local, regional and international Creative Advisors: Daniel Habib from Lebanon/USA, Deana Nassar Fernandez from Egypt/USA, Tima Shomali from Jordan, Reem Hanna from Syria, and Mervat Aksoy from Jordan.
Drawing on their diverse experience in writing, directing, producing, development, and series creation, the advisors worked closely with the fellows to challenge their ideas, sharpen their creative choices, and support them in building compelling stories rooted in authentic voices and contemporary Arab narratives.
Fellows Gilbert Karam and Hiba Louis, co-writers of “Status Quo”, reflected on the Lab’s creative atmosphere. Karam said: “The warmth, hospitality, and care created a unique space to connect with nature, fellow storytellers, and industry professionals. It is a privilege to experience such a nurturing environment while developing our work, and we thank the Royal Film Commission – Jordan for bringing this community together.” Louis added: “As a Lebanese producer, I was honored to be part of this Levantine creative gathering, where stories, television craft, and a shared passion for storytelling came together on a land rich with history and culture.”
Creative Advisor Tima Shomali said: “I am delighted to have served as a Creative Advisor for this year’s Mosalsalat Screenwriters Lab alongside an outstanding group of advisors and a talented cohort of fellows. Reading their projects and engaging in thoughtful discussions has been refreshing and inspiring, and I hope that sharing insights from my own journey as a creator and showrunner will support them as they continue developing their creative voices.”
Mohannad Al-Bakri, Managing Director of the Royal Film Commission – Jordan, stated that: “Through the sixth edition of the Mosalsalat Screenwriters Lab, we are proud to have supported six promising series projects from across the Arab region, including one from Jordan. This program reflects the Royal Film Commission’s proven commitment to nurturing bold storytelling, strengthening Arab creative voices, and creating pathways for screenwriters to develop projects for television, with regional and international potential.”
Mosalsalat Screenwriters Lab is part of the RFC’s ongoing efforts to support Jordanian and Arab screenwriters in the evolving regional and international series landscape. Through its Regional Training Department, the RFC continues to provide professional development opportunities, mentorship platforms, and creative spaces that contribute to strengthening original Arab content and supporting its path toward local, regional, and global audiences.
Submissions for the seventh edition of Mosalsalat Screenwriters Lab will open in January 2027.
About the Royal Film Commission – Jordan
The Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC) is a public institution with administrative and financial autonomy, established in 2003 with the mandate to support the development of an internationally competitive Jordanian and Arab audio-visual industry. The RFC organizes training programs, public screenings, and provides comprehensive production support services.
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For any further information, please email: info@film.jo or call: 96264642266+ ext.701, 702.
