RAQS FILM
FESTIVAL
We’re thrilled to announce that Al Raqs Conference is expanding its celebration of MENAHT dance, music, and culture with a brand-new addition: the Raqs Film Festival!
From now on, the Raqs Film Festival will be part of the Al Raqs universe — enriching the conference experience with a curated selection of films exploring dance, identity, music, and cultural heritage.
In some years, Al Raqs will feature both the conference and the film festival, while in others, the focus will stay on the core conference program. Either way, you can expect deep inspiration, powerful stories, and a vibrant community.
Founded by Kamala Almanzar and Roxxanne Shelaby, the Raqs Film Festival has been a space for artistic voices and cultural storytelling. We’re honored that Roxxanne continues be part of the festival as a proud ambassador.
Join us in January 2026 for special edition of Al Raqs conference featuring Film Festival! Info coming soon.
Kamala Almanzar
Founder of Raqs Film Festival
Kamala is a third-generation dancer based in California, whose career spans over 45 years. She began her journey in ballet with the Pasadena Dance Theatre before transitioning to Middle Eastern dance, which became her lifelong passion. Kamala has performed internationally in nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels, notably in 1980s Hollywood, London, and Acapulco, often accompanied by Egyptian orchestras. Her experience includes performances in films and TV shows during the 1970s and ’80s.
In the 1980s, she participated in shows choreographed by Egypt’s Farida Fahmy, which deeply influenced her artistic vision. Kamala was also a member of “The Flowers of the Desert,” the first belly dance fusion company on the U.S. West Coast, which inspired many dancers to explore fusion genres.
Currently, Kamala teaches and choreographs Middle Eastern dance both in the Los Angeles area and virtually. She has produced various theater shows and has been involved in organizing events like the Cairo ShimmyQuake, LA’s largest belly dance festival. In 2017, she received the “Teacher of the Year Award” from the Bellydancer of the Universe Competition.
Kamala is the co-founder of the International Raqs Film Festival and the Raqsi Awards Show, which attract films from around the world. She continues to contribute to the dance community through her teaching, choreography, and event production.
For more information, you can visit her official website or follow her on Instagram.
ROXXANNE SHELABY
Co-producer of Raqs Film Festival
Roxxanne is a distinguished Middle Eastern dance artist based in California, renowned for her expertise in Egyptian and Lebanese dance traditions. With a rich heritage and deep-rooted passion for cultural expression, Roxxanne has dedicated her career to both performing and educating audiences about the nuances of Middle Eastern dance.
She is the founder of the International Raqs Film Festival, an event that celebrates dance and cultural storytelling through film. This festival has become a significant platform for showcasing the diversity and depth of Middle Eastern dance on screen.
Beyond her performances, Roxxanne is a committed educator, offering workshops and classes that delve into the history, technique, and cultural significance of Middle Eastern dance forms. Her teaching emphasizes authenticity and respect for the traditions she represents.
Roxxanne’s contributions to the dance community have been recognized through various accolades and invitations to perform and teach at international festivals. Her work continues to inspire dancers and audiences alike, fostering a greater appreciation for Middle Eastern dance arts.
For more information about Roxxanne Shelaby’s work and upcoming events, you can visit her official website or follow her on Instagram.
🏆 Raqs Film Festival – Winners Archive
🎬 2022 Winners
Best Costume Design
Amara Sayid – Golden Era Tribute
Best Ensemble
Awalem Khafya – Awalem Rooftop
Best Picture
Awalem Khafya – Awalem Rooftop
Best Original Song
Miss Thea – Dreams of Egypt
Best Visual Effects / Special Effects
Kasia Wronka – Whirling Elf
Best Story
Anna Barner – The Carpet
Best Cinematography
Aakriti Gandhi – Rangi Saari
Producer’s Choice
Ti Gi – Luck, Don’t Chance It
People’s Choice
Stacey Peacock – Imagine
Best Raqs Sharqi (Oriental)
Anna Barner – Exillion
Best Fusion
Rakhi Singh – The Rise of the Phoenix
Best Folklore
Raqs Shala – Raqs Shala Folklore
Best Editing
Phoenix Bellydance – New Zealand Sunset
🎬 2023 Winners
Best Story
Winner: Nora // Noura – Lenora Ott
Honorable Mention: The Picnic – Anna Barner
Best Fusion
Winner: A Dance in Red – Irina Akulenko
Watch on YouTube
Honorable Mention: Gafsa – Amanda Rose
Best Folklore
Winner: Ya Enab – Chrystelle Ferrara
Honorable Mention: I Know…Myself – Alexis Garcia
Best Ensemble
Winner: Habibty – Katarzyna Wronka-Falah
Watch on YouTube
Honorable Mention: Trio Athena – Anna Barner
Best Raqs Sharqi
Winner: Once Upon A Windmill – Lenka Badriyah
Watch on YouTube
Honorable Mention: Raqs Academy Golden Era – Katarzyna Wronka-Falah
Watch on YouTube