Scandar Copti is a Palestinian filmmaker and visual artist from Yafa. Renowned for his unique approach to working with non-actors, he teaches this technique at New York University of Abu Dhabi and internationally. His work draws on personal experiences and broad societal and political narratives, offering a nuanced perspective on the Palestinian minority in Israel. Copti's debut feature film, Ajami (2009), co-directed with Yaron Shani, received a Caméra d'Or Special Mention at the Festival de Cannes and was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film award at the Academy Awards. His video art projects have been exhibited worldwide, and he is the recipient of the Sutherland Trophy.