Jennifer Haddad

Casting Director & Creative Consultant | Cannes Jury Prize & Oscar-Nominated Projects | Pioneering Cross-Border Casting in the Middle East

Beirut Governorate, Lebanon

About

I’m an experienced Casting Director, Producer, and Creative Consultant with over a decade in film and media production, specializing in projects across the MENA region and internationally. Driven by a deep passion not only for cinema but for elevating the quality, professionalism, and ambition of filmmaking in my region, I have built my career on curiosity, fearless communication, and an unshakable work ethic — unafraid to lead, innovate, and work tirelessly until the vision is fully realized. I pioneered first-of-their-kind street casting strategies and assembled the largest film ensemble cast in the Middle East, delivering award-winning performances that contributed to Nadine Labaki’s Capernaum winning the Jury Prize at Cannes (2018) and earning an Oscar nomination (2019). This monumental project earned multiple acting awards for my cast and brought me the Best Casting Director and Best Casting Ensemble accolades at The Lebanese Movie Awards. Trusted by directors, producers, and actors across Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, I bridge creative and logistical gaps, inspiring trust through a proven process that respects time and budget constraints. I’m currently leading casting for one of the largest Lebanese/international feature films, managing a complex ensemble of over 80 actors, and collaborating with Emmy-winning directors and major production companies on acclaimed series such as Undocumented, Hell’s Gate, and Brando Elsharq. Earlier in my career, I worked as an Agency Producer at Wunderman Thompson, managing impactful campaigns across MENA. I hold a degree in Audio Visual Studies from ALBA and completed advanced training at The Danish Film Institute. I’ve also spoken at industry panels, including the Red Sea Film Festival, advocating for regional opportunities in film. I am passionate about discovering and developing raw talent and driving projects that showcase authentic Arab stories on the global stage — always pushing the boundaries of what cinema in the region can achieve.

Experience