Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) alumnus and journalist, Karim Kawkab (BA’21) in Communication Arts, received the award for Best Television Documentary at the Golden Femi Film Festival, held in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. Competing against entries from over 130 countries, Karim’s documentary film “Around Ukraine”, which reports on the recent ongoing war in Ukraine, snagged the win, reinforcing the presence of Arab journalism on the international stage.
Produced by the UAE's Al Aan TV, the documentary chronicles the experiences of Ukrainians living in conflict zones and on the front lines, shedding light on daily life in Ukraine amidst the devastation and aftermath of the massacres that hit the country. The film focuses on the tireless efforts of Ukrainians to rebuild their lives under the constant threat of Russian bombing. It captures the resilience and determination of the people as they navigate the challenges of war, emphasizing their hope and perseverance despite the dire circumstances.
Reflecting on this experience, the NDU alumnus expressed his great joy at receiving the award, reiterating the critical need to document the stories of Ukrainian people and highlight their courage and resilience in the face of harsh conditions. In Kawkab’s words, the current dark reality of the world we live in – one overwhelmed with wars and conflicts – necessitates depicting a vivid picture about the painful experiences that marginalized individuals go through. Considering that conflicts in the region are consistently growing in number, Kawkab also dedicated this award to every person who has been forced to live in the shadow of war, hoping that his work will contribute to raising global awareness about their suffering.
This achievement, however, does not solely reflect Kawkab’s own set of beliefs. Serving as an indication of his commitment to conveying the truth and making people’s stories known to the world, this victory also falls in alignment with the University’s essence and core mission. As a champion for press freedom, the latter revels in its alumnus’ significant accomplishment. As a matter of fact, this milestone not only uplifts the University’s standing but also proves that Arab media is capable of competing in international arenas and presenting works of value and high quality that resonate with global audiences. A positive turning point in the journey of journalism in the Arab world, this victory indeed holds the potential to encourage the production of additional documentary works that bring attention to humanitarian issues in conflict zones worldwide.
In light of this impressive feat, NDU wishes to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Karim. Dedicated to promoting a culture of journalistic integrity, press freedom, and the pursuit of truth, the University takes immense pride in its alumnus’ dedication to conveying the realities faced by individuals in conflict zones. As an institution that values the power of storytelling and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, NDU will continue to support and encourage its students and alumni in their endeavors to shed light on pressing humanitarian issues.