Kaleem Aftab
Kaleem Aftab is an international film critic and programmer with 30 years’ experience, based in Europe. He has served on the section jury at BAFTA and the European Film Awards, bringing a discerning eye and deep knowledge of global cinema to each discussion. Kaleem was formerly Director of International Programming at the Red Sea International Film Festival, where he curated diverse, compelling selections that championed emerging and established voices in film. He is also the author of the authorised biography of Spike Lee, capturing the essence of one of cinema’s most influential directors. Over his career, Kaleem has interviewed hundreds of filmmakers and actors, covering major festivals including Cannes, Venice, Berlin and Toronto. His passion for film extends beyond critique; he has produced award-winning shorts and features and regularly moderates panels and Q&As, sharing insights that bridge the worlds of filmmaking, criticism and audience engagement with clarity and humour.
