Awad Joumaa is an award-winning Senior journalist and filmmaker advising institutions on narrative strategy, media leadership, and high-stakes storytelling. I work on stories where decisions carry consequences — political, ethical, and human.
Across journalism, documentary filmmaking, and original content leadership, my focus is on narrative judgment under pressure and responsible storytelling in complex environments.
Co-founder of AJ360, Al Jazeera’s global VOD platform, overseeing the commissioning and production of 350+ films and series in under two years, with a special focus on original long-form cinematic content.
Selected works available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
Crafting Compelling Narratives
Awad works with public sector organizations, broadcasters, and corporations on narrative strategy, executive media training, newsroom restructuring, documentary development, and crisis communications. He supports leadership teams navigating high-stakes communication across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. He co-edited Journalism in Times of War and publishes analytical journalism
Awards
Represented the brand at events, promoted brand awareness, and engaged with customers to drive brand loyalty.
the 17th Annual Shorty Awards Gaza Sound Man | AJ360 Bronze Honor in Feature Film Audience Honor in Feature Film
Films
Producer and Director
Animation: The story of Dr Meir Margalit
Producer and Director
Jerusalem: A Rock and a Hard Place (Part 1)
Jerusalem: A Rock and a Hard Place (Part 2)
Producer and Director Outsourcing Torture: A Thorough Analysis of the Encounters Between Three Danish Men and Lebanese Torturers.
Producer and Director
English ‘Till I die: The Changing face of Britain (Arabic)
Producer and Director
Denmark's Gang War
P
roducer and Director
Denmark’s Gang War (Arabic)
Producer and Director
Witness - Journey Home - Part 1
Producer and Director
Witness - Journey Home - Part 2
Journey Home (Arabic)
Denmark's Strict Immigration Regulations (Reporter)
Gang Wars Rage in Denmark
Inside Ajdabiya
A long journey home Part 1
Witness - Journey Home Part 2
A long journey home Part 3
In my view
Gang-related violence mars streets
Awad’s Articles
Animation: “Shooting Jerusalem: A glimpse Into Life in a Segregated City”
Filmmaker reflects on the making of his documentary and his bid to find out what it means to live in and identify with the city of Jerusalem.
“Sons of Jerusalem”
What is it like to live in a divided city? “Sons of Jerusalem” is the story of a father and son living in the Old City.
by Awad Joumaa - 15 May 2019
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/sons-jerusalem-190515143409343.html
“Journalism in Times of War: A Middle East Perspective”
Last year was one of the deadliest for journalists. Will 2018 be any better? Al Jazeera's Media Institute launches a book to help reduce violence against journalists in the region.
by Awad Joumaa - 24 Jan 2018
“A New Era for Denmark as Left Takes Power”
A loss for the right in the Danish parliamentary election has turned the country in a different political direction.
by Awad Joumaa - 4 Oct 2011
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/10/2011102103733302405.html
“Danish Party Urges Arab TV Ban”
People's Party says Al Jazeera and other Arabic channels sow hatred against Western society in immigrant communities.
by Awad Joumaa - 2 Nov 2010
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2010/11/2010111134217747559.html
“Interview: Palestine's Storyteller”
Naji al-Ali became the voice of dispossessed Palestinians before he was assassinated.
by Awad Joumaa - 6 Sept 2009
https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/2009/09/200995162530794470.html
“Copenhagen's 'racial' Gang Wars”
Al Jazeera examines how ethnic tensions may be fuelling crime in Denmark.
“Denmark's Forgotten Asylum Seekers”
Those seeking refugee status find themselves stranded in an immigration no-man's land.
by Awad Joumaa - 16 Mar 2009
https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/2009/03/20093111200253161.html
“A Journey Home”
From Denmark to Palestine—one man's journey to the home he has never known.
by Awad Joumaa - 13 Jul 2009
https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/60yearsofdivision/2008/05/2008615053715551.html
Testimonials
A selection of testimonials about Awad’s work, including his edited book, journalism career, research, and media training.
Journalism in Times of War is of absolute value; communicating concrete experiences of local media professionals in the Arab world, this unique, up-to-date, well-balanced, and informative guidebook has offered me essential perspectives and tips on best dealing with creating responsible and important journalism in a context where the challenges are countless but the need for coverage and documentation is increasingly crucial.
Masih Sadat, Editor-in-Chief at Turban Times