Lina Soualem is a director and actress, born in Paris to an Algerian father and a Palestinian mother. After studying history and political science at the Sorbonne University, Lina worked as a programmer for the Buenos Aires International Human Rights Film Festival in Argentina. Her first feature documentary, “Their Algeria,” premiered worldwide at Visions du Réel 2020 and was released in French theaters in October 2021 (JHR Films). The film received numerous awards, including the Best First Work Award at the CINEMED Festival and the Best Documentary Award at the CINEMANIA Festival.

Lina has acted in three feature films by directors Hafsia Herzi, Hiam Abbass, and Rayhana. In 2020, she participated in the writing of the series “Oussekine,” directed by Antoine Chevrollier. Her second feature documentary, “Bye Bye Tiberias,” premiered worldwide in 2023 at the Venice International Film Festival and was subsequently selected for the Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, IDFA, DOC NYC, RIDM, Palm Springs, and other festivals. It received the Best Documentary Award at BFI, CINEMED, and the Jury Prize at the Marrakech International Film Festival. “Bye Bye Tiberias” was chosen to represent Palestine at the 2024 Oscars and was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards.