Award-winning Dutch-Egyptian director Sharif Abdel Mawla has joined the roster at new—land, for representation across commercials, branded content, music videos and short films in the UK and Scandinavia.

Known for building powerful, cinematic narratives that often touch on the surreal, whilst remaining grounded in a raw and honest reality, Abdel Mawla's work includes commercials for Adidas, Pepsi, Turkish Airlines, The New Originals and Google Pixel, and he directed the music video for groundbreaking Dutch-Iranian artist Sevdaliza's Everything Is Everything. His first feature, Curtain Call, a mirror to a darker side of the film industry, premiered this year to great acclaim.

Previously a creative for international brands and agencies before breaking into directing, his first short 7 Moroccans and Jos (2017) premiered at the Dutch Film Festival. His work has been published on Nowness, Hypebeast, Another Man, i-D, Fast Company and It’s Nice That, receiving several awards and honours, including a Webby award, Cannes Lion, Lovie and Merit. His next feature is currently in development. 

“We are delighted to welcome Sharif to new—land," says Trine Pillay, MD at new—land London. "He first caught my eye with his film for adidas, Life Advice — as a storytelling piece, it has such energy and vibrancy. Sharif really compliments our roster at new—land, while bringing a new dimension to it; I can’t wait to see what we can make together.” 

• Watch Sharif Abdel Mawla's showreel at new—land​ here