The Emirates Film Festival (EFF) has officially announced Ayesha Zaki as the Brand Ambassador for the Emirates Film Festival 2026, marking a significant and high-impact association ahead of the festival’s upcoming edition. The announcement has already generated considerable excitement within the global film and digital entertainment ecosystem.
Widely recognised as an OTT queen and an award-winning filmmaker, Ayesha Zaki has carved a formidable presence across streaming platforms and international film circuits. Known for her bold storytelling, contemporary narratives, and strong creative voice, she represents a new generation of filmmakers who seamlessly bridge cinema, digital media, and global audiences. Her work has been lauded for its originality, emotional depth, and cultural relevance, earning her critical acclaim and multiple accolades.
Her appointment as Brand Ambassador aligns perfectly with the Emirates Film Festival’s evolving vision—to spotlight powerful stories, champion independent cinema, and amplify voices that resonate across borders. As the face of EFF 2026, Ayesha Zaki will play a pivotal role in promoting the festival globally, engaging with filmmakers, creators, and cinephiles, and reinforcing the festival’s position as a progressive and inclusive cinematic platform.
Founded in 2013, the Emirates Film Festival is the UAE’s first independent film festival and has grown steadily into an internationally recognised platform. Over the years, EFF has showcased films from across the world, fostering cultural exchange and encouraging emerging and established filmmakers alike to present authentic, impactful narratives.
At the helm of this cinematic movement is Ron Awa, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Film Festival. Awa is widely respected for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to independent cinema. What began as a community-driven initiative has, under his guidance, evolved into a professionally licensed international film festival with a strong global footprint. Ron Awa’s mission has always been to create a credible, accessible, and artist-centric platform—one that nurtures creativity while maintaining global standards of excellence.
Speaking on the appointment, the festival leadership expressed confidence that Ayesha Zaki’s association would elevate the festival’s global appeal. Her influence, credibility, and deep understanding of modern storytelling are expected to bring renewed energy and visibility to the 2026 edition.
The Emirates Film Festival 2026 is set to feature a dynamic line-up of films, panel discussions, and industry interactions, with submissions open to filmmakers from around the world. With Ayesha Zaki as its Brand Ambassador and Ron Awa’s continued leadership, the festival is poised to make its 2026 edition one of its most impactful yet.
