Arab Social Media Influencers in the Diaspora

Join us for the second edition of the P21 Film Club, a dedicated space for cinema, dialogue, and critical engagement. This month, we are proud to screen Arab Social Media Influencers in the Diaspora by Egyptian filmmaker Mohamed Shalaby.

What do you take with you when you leave home? How do you remain anchored to your roots while navigating a new life abroad?

Over the course of a year, Shalaby followed four Arab creators across the globe, from the streets of Sana’a to the high-energy digital landscape of Los Angeles, via the cultural crossroads of Berlin. This documentary offers an intimate look into the lives of individuals who have turned the online world into a canvas for exploring identity, resisting erasure, and searching for a sense of belonging in the digital age.

The screening will be followed by an in-depth discussion and audience Q&A with the director.

The film serves as a visual inquiry into the "virtual home," examining how social media platforms act as both a bridge and a barrier for those living in the diaspora. Through personal narratives, Shalaby captures the nuances of the Arab experience today, balancing cultural heritage with the pressures of global digital presence.

Mohamed Shalaby is an award-winning Egyptian filmmaker, director, and editor known for his "guerrilla filmmaking" style. His work spans a wide range of formats, including documentaries, short films, TV projects, and music videos.

Shalaby’s storytelling is deeply rooted in human experience; his previous works have been featured by BBC Arabic and major digital platforms, often tackling complex subjects like mental health, body image, and human rights. He is a 2025 TV Breakthrough Leader and has been recognized for his forensic approach to uncovering "uncomfortable truths" through cinema.