Zaid Abu Hamdan

Born and raised in Jordan. Zaid Acted in theatre from age 5 and was always dazzled by the magic of storytelling. Drama was Zaid's favorite class in high school, at a time when engaging in performing arts was frowned upon. Zaid's main influences are the strong women in his life, where he finds his biggest inspiration. Holder of an MFA from the New York Film Academy in Hollywood California. Zaid started his career working on international TV shows as an Assistant Director and Producer, including filling in as the TV anchor and reporter from Hollywood, working for the Middle East's lead broadcasting group, MBC. Zaid's TV work included developing content for E! Entertainment's Golden Globes and Oscar coverage in Los Angeles, in addition to directing reality and scripted shows such as Sesame Street, competition shows and creative consultant and directing mentor for the Arab Film Studio program at Image Nation, Abu Dhabi. Since 2009, Zaid wrote and directed 5 internationally award-winning short films, gaining critical acclaim, including his 2012 Oscar-qualified film Bahiya & Mahmoud. Majoring in Film/TV and Minoring in journalism and theater at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Zaid Graduated in 2005 with a BA in Communication Arts. It was during his BA thesis project in 2005, working with child actors, where he found himself fascinated by the natural ability of children to act and react organically. Between 2004 and 2006, he worked all over the world as a freelance Assistant Director, Line Producer, and for a while, a dancer. In 2006, Zaid served as the first Assistant Director/writer for the Jordanian Version of Sesame Street New York, confirming his love of directing children. After joining the Middle East Broadcasting Center-Dubai, working as Continuity Producer/Script copywriter for MBC Action, Zaid pursued his Masters degree (MFA) in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in Hollywood, CA. His most passionate cause in life is advocating for children, particularly those children who are neglected, homeless, sick, endangered, or deprived of education.