Following his Orizzonti Best Director Award for the film Theeb at Venice Film Festival,
Naji Abu Nowar is named Variety Arab Filmmaker of the Year by Variety Magazine. Naji received the award on Monday, October 27th in a star-studded gala reception at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, during the Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF).

Theeb's MENA Premiere comes as part of the 8th edition of ADFF. It is in competition with 18 films in the New Horizons section, which features films by first and second time directors from across the world. The film has screened on Sunday, October 26th and there will be a second screening on Tuesday, October 28th, 2014.

Previously, Theeb took part at BFI London Film Festival, one of the world's most important European film events, and received an honorable mention by the Sutherland Award journey. The film has also participated in the 16th Mumbai Film Festival.