Biography

Dr Khaldoun Shami is a Lecturer in Ethnographic Documentary and Secularism. His research interests lie in the field of Middle Eastern documentaries and TV news, with a particular focus on secularism and minority issues. He is the director of Secular | Aa'La'Ma'Ni (2024), a documentary exploring secularism in cinema and TV channels. It features perspectives from filmmakers and producers from Lebanon, Tunisia, Jordan and Palestine on religion, sectarianism, authorities, industry challenges, and censorship.

Khaldoun H. Shami holds a PhD in Documentary Film from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, and he has served at several universities in the Middle East.

Key Research Interests

Ethnographic Documentary; Alternative Radio; Secularism; Minorities; Militarism.

Doctoral Thesis: "Secularism in Middle Eastern Documentaries: Filmmakers' Views, Production, Industrial Challenges, Limitation and Censorship."

Academic Background

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Film, Television and Media. School of Art, Media and American Studies. University of East Anglia UEA. Norwich, UK

Master of Arts in Documentary Practice. College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences. Brunel University London. Uxbridge, UK

Master of Communication in Screen Studies. School of Communication. Universiti Sains Malaysia USM. George Town, Penang

Diploma in Leadership for Media. International Leadership Institute. United Nations University UNU. Tokyo, Japan

Awards

The Vice-Governor of Jakarta Award  for Humanitarian Aid (Indonesia, 2008)
The National Seminar on Media (USIM) Award - Documentary Film (Kuala Lumpur, 2009)
The University of Jordan Excellence Award in Community Service (Amman, 2005)

Filmography

• Halemeh (Jerash, 2003).

• Brother: Kailash and Abdullah (George Town, 2007).

• Rohani (Penang, 2008).

• Headstone: Naji Al-Ali in WWI Cemetery (Surrey, 2014).

• Aghwar Voice (N. Shoneh, 2015).

• Palm to Palm: Love, Home, Family! (Norwich, 2019).

• Secular | AaLaMaNi (Beirut / London, 2023).