ADOLF EL ASSAL
award-winning film director, writer & producer
WHO AM I?
From Alexandria to Luxembourg
I’m Adolf El Assal, an Egyptian-Luxembourgish film director, writer, and producer.
My work often blends humour with serious themes, and I’m probably best known for Sawah, a feature film about a DJ who loses his identity and ends up in a country he’s never even heard of. It’s a story that speaks to displacement and belonging—recurring themes in my films, shaped by my own diverse background.
My filmmaking journey really kicked off in 2003 when I directed my first short documentary on Hip Hop culture in Luxembourg. That project opened the door to something I’d been chasing my whole life—cinema. Not long after, I started directing music videos for both up-and-coming and established artists in the UK and beyond.
In 2008, I produced the feature film, Divizionz, which had its world premiere at the Berlinale and went on to travel the globe. Building on that experience, I directed Reste Bien, Mec!, a film that quickly became a cult hit in Luxembourg. That one was a turning point for me—my name’s the only one in the end credits apart from the cast and the composer. It was raw, personal, and completely mine.
That’s when I knew I was ready to go all in and become a full-time film director, writer and producer.
Since earning my MA in Filmmaking, I’ve directed several award-winning short films, including La Fameuse Route… and Mano de Dios. In 2014, I completed my first professional feature, Les (Fameux) Gars aka The Notorious Guys, which found success in French-speaking territories.
Most recently, I co-directed the hit Belgian series Baraki, now streaming on Netflix in France and the Benelux. The show has been both critically acclaimed and widely loved by audiences.
As a producer, I've produced and co-produced over 20 feature films that were screened and awarded at top film festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Cairo and Toronto.
I’m also a two-time Berlinale Talents alumni (2006 & 2023), a member of the European Film Academy, and part of networks like EAVE, Directors UK and Screen Leaders.
You can check out my full filmography on IMDb.
SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY
On his way to a global competition, a talented DJ gets stranded in an unfamiliar country and detained after a case of mistaken identity.
My latest feature film, which I co-wrote with Dennis Foon, directed, and produced, has been screened at over 100 festivals worldwide, winning numerous awards. It has been distributed in over 50 territories, including Benelux, DACH, MENA, South Korea, Australia, and North America. The film also saw a wide DVD/Blu-Ray release across 5000 Walmart stores in the US and is the first feature film by a Luxembourg director to be featured on Netflix, where it ranked in the Top 10 in over 20 countries.
written & directed by: Adolf El Assal
co-written by: Dennis Foon, Sirvan Marogy
cast: Karim Kassem, Eric Kabongo, Jean-Luc Couchard, Mourade Zeguendi, Stéphane Bissot, Nilton Martins, Wesley Weigel, Mara Taquin, Paul Robert
SAWAH
BARAKI
When he learns that he will become a father, Yvan will do everything to become a better version of himself. And to help him, he can count on the unwavering support of his clan: the Berthet family.
I directed five episodes of the hit comedy series in its first season, shaping its look and tone. The series is currently airing on Belgian public television RTBF, international network TV5 Monde, and on Netflix in Benelux and France. Thanks to its critical and popular success, the series has been renewed for a second season, and the word “Baraki” has recently been added to the French dictionary.
created by: Fred De Loof, Peter Ninane, Julien Vargas
directed by: Fred De Loof, Adolf El Assal, Adriana Da Fonseca, Bérangère McNeese
cast: Pierre Nisse, Julien Vargas, Sophie Breyer, Laura Sepul, Gémi Diallo, Jules Barbason, Nilton Martins, Nassim Rachi, Pablo Andres
LES (FAMEUX) GARS
When a special needs class wins a trip to Portugal, all hell breaks loose.
My first feature film that I co-wrote, directed, produced and distributed. The film was successfully released in French- speaking territories and its distribution strategy was revolutionary at that time. I had managed back then to convince Orelsan, who is now one of the biggest musical artists in France, to have an appearance in the film. It is also Dieudonné Kabongo's (one of Belgium's finest actors) final role before his passing.
directed by: Adolf El Assal
written by: Vincent Habay
cast: Diego Castello, Tony Bitegets, Armando Medina, Vincent Habay, Orelsan, Dieudonné Kabongo
CONSULTATION SERVICES
I offer one-on-one and team consultations for filmmakers, producers, and creatives looking to elevate their projects, sharpen their strategy, or navigate the industry with clarity and purpose.
International Co-Production Strategy
Want to shoot across borders or tap into funding in Europe, MENA, or beyond? I provide hands-on advice on structuring international co-productions, accessing soft money (like film funds and rebates), and building meaningful partnerships that open doors.
Pitching & Packaging for Festivals, Funds & Streamers
Whether you’re approaching public institutions, private investors, or global platforms like Netflix and Amazon, I guide you in crafting a compelling pitch—visually and verbally. From pitch decks to one-liners to personal delivery, I help you stand out and get results.
Script & Story Development
From concept to final draft, I help writers and directors refine their stories for maximum emotional impact, character depth, and market potential. Whether you’re developing a short, feature, or series, I offer creative guidance that aligns with your voice and your audience.
