Even as world headlines from the Middle East focus on upheaval and violence, the region's culture continues to thrive. Here's our look at some groups and individuals making their mark on arts and culture in the region, in no particular order.
Khadija Al-Salami, Yemen
Khadija Al-Salami is considered the first female producer in Yemen. She was married at age 11, but later divorced and pursued her education, eventually becoming the press and cultural official at the Yemeni Embassy in Paris. Women's lives figure prominently in her 20-some documentaries, including one about a female prisoner. After filming during Yemen's unrest last year, she told The New York Times that she wanted to compare Yemeni and Tunisian women and “the roles they played in the revolutions.”
(Photo: Photo by Filippo Zambon, Nisimazine.eu)
By Nafeesa Syeed. Did we leave someone out? Let us know at @AlMonitor and look out for more lists.