Jamil Abu-Wardeh

Jamil is the guy who put modern Arabic Stand Up comedy on TV across the Middle East. His work behind the scenes has led to it expanding rapidly across the region as a home grown art form. In 2007 he produced the first ethnically relevant Stand Up comedy tour across 5 Arab countries. He used the tour to create a platform for amateur Arabic language stand up comedians and then televised the results. Starting with his protégé and discovery Wonho Chung (met him in a shoe store, but that's another story!) and the likes of the Egyptian George Azmy, Arabic stand up comedy events are spreading in the region like fleas in a camel market. His comedy writing and directing/ producing is continuous for stage, screen and online; the latest is a short comic film starring Wonho Chung in the role of 'Wonhoor'; a spoof of the new dubbed Turkish series phenomena in the region. Jamil is constantly creating content and chances for aspiring comics. Jamil will talk about the rise of modern Arabic Stand Up comedy and the importance of supporting Arabiccomics in order for them to create media content locally that can improve tolerance and understanding globally. He will share the story so far and where he wishes it is going.