Mahdi Fleifel
Known for
Directing
Born
October 25, 1979 (age 46)
Birthplace
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Biography
Palestinian-Danish director Fleifel’s first feature-length documentary, A World Not Ours, won more than 30 awards at major festivals – including the Berlinale's Silver Bear. After taking part in the 2013 Cinéfondation in Cannes, Fleifel has directed several award-nominated short films: A Man Returned, A Drowning Man and I Signed the Petition.
His debut narrative feature, TO A LAND UNKNOWN, premiered in 2024 at Cannes' Directors' Fortnight to rave reviews. It has gone on to screen at over 100 festivals and winning more than 20 awards, most recently landing Fleifel a Gotham Award nomination for Best Breakthrough Director.
Best known work
To a Land Unknown
2025
A World Not Ours
2014
A Drowning Man
2017
I Signed the Petition
2018
A Man Returned
2016
Xenos
2013
45th Parallel
2023
3 Logical Exits
2020
The Writer
Kumbh
2017Filmography
TBA
The WriterDirector, Writer
2025
To a Land UnknownScreenplay, Producer, Director
2023
The Male Gaze: Risk AppealDirector
2023
45th Parallelas The Private Ear
2023
Elefsina Notre AmourDirector
2020
3 Logical ExitsDirector, Writer
2018
I Signed the PetitionCamera Operator, Director, Writer, Producer
2017
A Drowning ManWriter, Producer, Director
2017
KumbhProducer
2016
A Man ReturnedProducer, Director, Director of Photography, Writer
2014
A World Not Oursas (voice), Screenplay, Director, Producer, Director of Photography
2014
Suspended Time 'Zaman Muaalaq'Director
2013
XenosDirector, Director of Photography
2013
2009
4 WeeksDirector, Writer
2008
Arafat & IWriter, Director