✦ No Nation Films Atelier — July 2025 Update
As of July 1, 2025, Orwa Nyrabia has returned to Berlin and to No Nation Films Atelier, the boutique production house he co-founded with Diana El Jeiroudi. After nearly eight intense years leading the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), he steps away from his role there. [ → Read IDFA’s official statement].
Orwa will not be resuming any managerial or production responsibilities for the rest of 2025. Instead, he’s taking time for personal reflection and creative recalibration.
“I’m happy to be back in the atelier,” Orwa says. “I look forward to returning to the other side — as a filmmaker, co-producer, and critical friend.”
His future role at No Nation Films will be shared in due time.
Since 2021, the company has been under the steady, clear-sighted leadership of Diana El Jeiroudi, who has been serving as Managing CEO. Under her direction, No Nation Films has sharpened its boutique focus — with a selective, high-profile, filmmaker-centered model producing globally resonant nonfiction cinema.
“We want to maintain an unpretentious approach to filmmaking and production, focusing on a selective number of bold narratives, each with a distinct cinematic voice,” says Diana. “This is a space where filmmakers — including ourselves — can work with dignity, craft, and care.”
The Atelier operates with a minimalist core structure with flexible external collaborators, working with both emerging and veteran talents. The current slate includes five feature-length documentaries — three as majority productions and two as minority co-productions — all driven by strong artistic vision, international perspectives, and themes that cross borders.
“We are happy about the renewed collaborations, and we’ll soon be announcing more about our production slate.”
Beyond production, No Nation Films continues to offer selective services to the field: consultancy, and mentorship through strategic partnerships — often in collaboration with respected international labs such as Visions du Réel’s Industry and Docs by the Sea.
“We embrace the mutability of the creative process. Inspiration comes from chaos as much as from craft — a photo, a conversation, a red-eye flight, or a last-minute visa run. We’ve filmed in hostile places, stood up to power, and stayed close to the messy reality of what it takes to make a film. That’s why we mentor, consult, and offer fellowships — to share the tools with others working under pressure, especially those navigating tough terrain.” Diana & Orwa conclude.
The No Nation Fellowship and Consultancy programs, launched in 2023 to mark 10 years in Berlin, continue into 2025. These are awarded selectively, offered either free-of-charge (Fellowship) or as paid consultancies, to support international film teams, especially those working from vulnerable positions.
For all inquiries, including current productions, consultancy, or partnerships, please contact us at [email].
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