Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Additional Information
Languages
Timeline
Personal Information
References
REFERENCES
ABOUT AREEJ
References
Generic
Areej Zarrouq

Areej Zarrouq

Dubai

Summary

With over 15 years of experience as a Communications, PR, Film, Art/Culture, and Media Consultant, I bring extensive knowledge and expertise to various projects and organizations. My background includes both freelance and employed roles where I have effectively contributed to media strategies, decision making, and creative problem solving to develop impactful campaigns and foster positive change in communications and the arts.


Passionate about creative writing, dedicated to thorough online research, and captivated by reading, film, TV, and media in general, my interests also extend to the performing arts, where I have developed my skills as an events manager. Constant curiosity and eagerness to learn drive me to continuously update my skills, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in my work. Believing in the power of teamwork, I greatly value the opportunity to learn from others, as diverse perspectives and collaborative efforts often lead to the best outcomes.


Proficient in communication and organizational skills, I am adept at multitasking, leading group discussions, and managing projects. Solutions to problems are sought by applying extensive analytical knowledge, and resourcefulness helps develop and maintain a healthy customer pipeline while attracting new business opportunities. My experience includes administrative oversight, recruitment processes, and improving customer service.


As a committed manager, leadership, organizational skills, and communication are my strengths, enabling me to lead high performing cross functional teams. Successful project leadership, company operations, and business growth initiatives are part of my track record. Interpersonal skills, collaboration, and problem solving abilities allow me to take on challenging roles and deliver consistent results. Dedicated and proactive, I strive to mentor and train employees effectively, always approaching tasks with a hands on attitude.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

CO Producer (investigative Documentary )

BBC
  • Managed and coordinated all aspects of production, from pre-planning to post-event evaluation
  • Organised schedules for smooth production and on-time delivery of creatives
  • Worked with technical teams to optimise sound and lighting
  • Overcame production challenges and resolved issues promptly to minimise disruptions
  • Drafted scripts with clarity, active voice and to propel story forward
  • Managed budgets and expenditure to keep production profitable
  • Evaluated quality of work and implemented corrective actions to maintain creative vision and professionalism
  • Identified and managed potential risks to prevent delays, budget overruns and reputational damage
  • Managed and guided creative teams to successfully execute projects from inception to completion.

Program Manager of Sudan Film Factory and Sudan Film Factory Forum

Sudan Film Factory
  • Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.

Communications & Media Consultant - Jury Member, selected influencers for workshops by British Photographer Hannah Starkey

Sudanese Change Makers Project - Contraband & USAID Collaboration
01.2020

Head of Production for Kamala Ibrahim Ishak Short Film

Prince Claus Foundation
10.2019

Co-Founder & Events Organizer

Non-Fiction Society
01.2019
  • Planned and executed high-quality corporate and social events.

Published articles under the heading "Daily Memoirs about the Sudanese Revolution"

01.2019

Founder & Program Director Afrika Film School

10.2018
  • Established Afrika Film School, offering acting workshops Instructed a workshop on Investigative Documentaries IOM and Sudan Film Factory

Founder & Program Director Afrika Film School

10.2018
  • Established Afrika Film School, offering acting workshops Instructed a workshop on Investigative Documentaries IOM and Sudan Film Factory

Instructed a workshop for Highlights Production staff on Film production

01.2015

Instructed a workshop for Highlights Production staff on Film production

01.2015

Documentary Film Director/Editor

Sudan Film Factory
06.2010
  • Duration: 20 Minutes - Synopsis: A documentary film about a day in the life of Sudanese urban women expressing their social and political views, opinions, and aspirations
  • Produced by Gothe Institute and Sudan Film Factory - June 2010.

Documentary Film Director/Editor

Sudan Film Factory
06.2010
  • Duration: 20 Minutes - Synopsis: A documentary film about a day in the life of Sudanese urban women expressing their social and political views, opinions, and aspirations
  • Produced by Gothe Institute and Sudan Film Factory - June 2010.

Media consultant

Nuuar Media Productions
07.2022 - 07.2024

Promotional video producer

Tep Factor
11.2023 - 12.2023

Promotional video producer

Prison Island
10.2023 - 11.2023

School Administrator / Marketing and Project Specialist

Raindance Film School
08.2023 - 09.2023
  • Overseeing marketing strategies and development initiatives for Raindance Film School in Dubai
  • Collaborating with the team to create effective marketing campaigns
  • Developing partnerships with industry professionals and organizations to enhance the school's reputation
  • Utilizing creative approaches to engage potential students and stakeholders, contributing to the growth of Raindance Film School in the region.

Film Director - "Khartoum Bites" film project: co-production between Native Voice Films (UK) & Sudan Film Factory sponsored by Apple

12.2022 - 06.2023

Subtitling + translation (Arabic to English)

Raheel TV Show/Nuuar Media Productions
11.2022 - 02.2023

Organized Culture and Development workshop outcomes, moderated panel on "The Influence of Art and Culture on Societies."

Contraband & USAID Collaboration
08.2021 - 07.2022

Worked with the Ministry of Culture and Communications of Sudan

01.2021 - 01.2022
  • Developing a workshop program to found the New Cultural Policies prior to the Sudanese Revolution
  • Delegated by the Minister of Culture and Communications to see through the process of founding a new filmmakers union

Director & producer of Indoor (A film about times spent indoors during the pandemic of Covid 19)

International Media Support/Denmark in collaboration with Sudan Film Factory & Aiyn Network
01.2019 - 04.2019

Creative producer

Al Sukar wa Almamour Film
01.2014 - 11.2018

Al Sukar wa Almamour Film

Creative producer
01.2014 - 11.2018

Creative producer

Al Sukar wa Almamour Film
01.2014 - 11.2018

Head of Film Costume Design and Styling for You Will Die at Twenty

Bedayat Magazine
02.2018 - 07.2018

Head of Film Costume Design and Styling for You Will Die at Twenty

Bedayat Magazine
02.2018 - 07.2018

Communications Manager

SIFF Film Festival concept structuring team member
01.2012 - 01.2018
  • Built comprehensive strategy aligned to business goals and covering all levels of communication needs
  • Worked alongside internal and external teams to create strategic multi-channel communication plans
  • Cultivated productive relationships with industry influencers to successfully deploy strategic communications
  • Maintained consistent brand voice and style across content
  • Compiled content for various communication channels
  • Created and managed style guides and brand voice outlines for public relations, marketing and advertising departments
  • Arranged cost-efficient advertising campaigns to maximise media representation
  • Consulted with executive management to develop communication policies and procedures for managing crises
  • Partnered with leadership team to develop and implement company vision, mission and strategic direction.

Program Manager of Sudan Film Factory and Sudan Film Factory Forum

01.2012 - 01.2018

SIFF Film Festival concept structuring team member

Communications Manager
01.2012 - 01.2018
  • Built comprehensive strategy aligned to business goals and covering all levels of communication needs
  • Worked alongside internal and external teams to create strategic multi-channel communication plans
  • Cultivated productive relationships with industry influencers to successfully deploy strategic communications
  • Maintained consistent brand voice and style across content
  • Compiled content for various communication channels
  • Created and managed style guides and brand voice outlines for public relations, marketing and advertising departments
  • Arranged cost-efficient advertising campaigns to maximise media representation
  • Consulted with executive management to develop communication policies and procedures for managing crises
  • Partnered with leadership team to develop and implement company vision, mission and strategic direction.

Program Manager of Sudan Film Factory and Sudan Film Factory Forum

01.2012 - 01.2018

Communications Manager

SIFF Film Festival concept structuring team member
01.2012 - 01.2018
  • Built comprehensive strategy aligned to business goals and covering all levels of communication needs
  • Worked alongside internal and external teams to create strategic multi-channel communication plans
  • Cultivated productive relationships with industry influencers to successfully deploy strategic communications
  • Maintained consistent brand voice and style across content
  • Compiled content for various communication channels
  • Created and managed style guides and brand voice outlines for public relations, marketing and advertising departments
  • Arranged cost-efficient advertising campaigns to maximise media representation
  • Consulted with executive management to develop communication policies and procedures for managing crises
  • Partnered with leadership team to develop and implement company vision, mission and strategic direction.

Media Monitoring Staff training instructor

Turkish Embassy
07.2010 - 09.2010

Media Monitoring Staff training instructor

Turkish Embassy
07.2010 - 09.2010

Education

Bachelor of Science in Communications/Mass Media - Mass communication +Film Studies

Sixth Oct. University-City

University of Seattle
Cairo, Egypt

Skills

  • Public Relations
  • Research & Content Creation
  • Creative Writing
  • Proofreading
  • Film Directing & Editing
  • Branding
  • Networking/PR & Communication
  • Event Management
  • Administrative Management
  • Media & Wardrobe Styling
  • Workshop Design & Teaching
  • Software
  • Attention to Detail
  • Client management
  • Active listening
  • MemoQ
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication skills
  • Team building
  • Strategic Planning
  • Leadership
  • Resourcefulness
  • Social media marketing
  • Google Workspace
  • Marketing

Additional Information

- In 2013, attended The March Meeting, representing Sudan Film Factory. The March Meeting is an annual art and culture event organized by the Sharjah Art Foundation. - Attended the Luxor African Film Festival in its first and fifth editions. - Attended a workshop on Film Distribution and Cinema Theaters and Screening Venues Management organized by NAAS Network and Metropolis Cinema in Beirut, Lebanon. - In 2012, attended the Max Ophüls Film Festival in Saarbrücken, Germany. - In 2015, attended the NAAS Network meeting in Cairo, representing Sudan Film Factory, which is a member of the network. - Attended the Investigative Journalists Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, organized by the Sudanese Writers Association and the Center for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) in the UK.

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Arabic
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Timeline

Promotional video producer

Tep Factor
11.2023 - 12.2023

Promotional video producer

Prison Island
10.2023 - 11.2023

School Administrator / Marketing and Project Specialist

Raindance Film School
08.2023 - 09.2023

Film Director - "Khartoum Bites" film project: co-production between Native Voice Films (UK) & Sudan Film Factory sponsored by Apple

12.2022 - 06.2023

Subtitling + translation (Arabic to English)

Raheel TV Show/Nuuar Media Productions
11.2022 - 02.2023

Media consultant

Nuuar Media Productions
07.2022 - 07.2024

Organized Culture and Development workshop outcomes, moderated panel on "The Influence of Art and Culture on Societies."

Contraband & USAID Collaboration
08.2021 - 07.2022

Worked with the Ministry of Culture and Communications of Sudan

01.2021 - 01.2022

Communications & Media Consultant - Jury Member, selected influencers for workshops by British Photographer Hannah Starkey

Sudanese Change Makers Project - Contraband & USAID Collaboration
01.2020

Head of Production for Kamala Ibrahim Ishak Short Film

Prince Claus Foundation
10.2019

Co-Founder & Events Organizer

Non-Fiction Society
01.2019

Published articles under the heading "Daily Memoirs about the Sudanese Revolution"

01.2019

Director & producer of Indoor (A film about times spent indoors during the pandemic of Covid 19)

International Media Support/Denmark in collaboration with Sudan Film Factory & Aiyn Network
01.2019 - 04.2019

Founder & Program Director Afrika Film School

10.2018

Founder & Program Director Afrika Film School

10.2018

Head of Film Costume Design and Styling for You Will Die at Twenty

Bedayat Magazine
02.2018 - 07.2018

Head of Film Costume Design and Styling for You Will Die at Twenty

Bedayat Magazine
02.2018 - 07.2018

Instructed a workshop for Highlights Production staff on Film production

01.2015

Instructed a workshop for Highlights Production staff on Film production

01.2015

Creative producer

Al Sukar wa Almamour Film
01.2014 - 11.2018

Al Sukar wa Almamour Film

Creative producer
01.2014 - 11.2018

Creative producer

Al Sukar wa Almamour Film
01.2014 - 11.2018

Communications Manager

SIFF Film Festival concept structuring team member
01.2012 - 01.2018

Program Manager of Sudan Film Factory and Sudan Film Factory Forum

01.2012 - 01.2018

SIFF Film Festival concept structuring team member

Communications Manager
01.2012 - 01.2018

Program Manager of Sudan Film Factory and Sudan Film Factory Forum

01.2012 - 01.2018

Communications Manager

SIFF Film Festival concept structuring team member
01.2012 - 01.2018

Media Monitoring Staff training instructor

Turkish Embassy
07.2010 - 09.2010

Media Monitoring Staff training instructor

Turkish Embassy
07.2010 - 09.2010

Documentary Film Director/Editor

Sudan Film Factory
06.2010

Documentary Film Director/Editor

Sudan Film Factory
06.2010

CO Producer (investigative Documentary )

BBC

Program Manager of Sudan Film Factory and Sudan Film Factory Forum

Sudan Film Factory

Bachelor of Science in Communications/Mass Media - Mass communication +Film Studies

Sixth Oct. University-City

University of Seattle

Personal Information

  • Hobbies: I love diving into the world of documentary and art house films; they offer such unique perspectives on life. Reading and writing are my go-to activities, and I find painting incredibly therapeutic. I'm always eager to learn about new creative software and explore history, sociology, anthropology, and anything related to human behavior. Researching science, biology, the human body, and alternative medicine is a big part of my life. I enjoy walking and practicing mindfulness exercises to stay grounded. There's something fascinating about contemplating in crowded public areas, observing the ebb and flow of life around me. Learning about different cultures enriches my understanding of the world, and I have a deep appreciation for all kinds of music from around the globe. Each genre and style offers a glimpse into the soul of its culture.
  • Date of Birth: 05/11/1981
  • Nationality: Sudanese

References

Available upon request

REFERENCES


  • Date of Birth: 05/11/1981
  • Nationality: Sudanese

ABOUT AREEJ


Living in various cities has profoundly enriched my understanding and appreciation of the beauty and value of diversity. While deeply connected to my culture and country, I also embrace the identity of a global citizen. This perspective enables me to adapt, blend in, and integrate seamlessly and gracefully into diverse environments.


  • HOBBIES &INTERESTS

I love diving into the world of documentary and art house films; they offer such unique perspectives on life. Reading and writing are my go-to activities, and I find painting incredibly therapeutic. I'm always eager to learn about new creative software and explore history, sociology, anthropology, and anything related to human behavior. Researching science, biology, the human body, and alternative medicine is a big part of my life. I enjoy walking and practicing mindfulness exercises to stay grounded. There's something fascinating about contemplating in crowded public areas, observing the ebb and flow of life around me. Learning about different cultures enriches my understanding of the world, and I have a deep appreciation for all kinds of music from around the globe. Each genre and style offers a glimpse into the soul of its culture

References

Available upon request
Areej Zarrouq