Sohail Dahdal is an award-winning Australian Palestinian filmmaker and immersive media artist working across cinema, XR, and interactive storytelling. His practice explores how emerging technologies can extend narrative form while remaining grounded in human-centred storytelling.
With more than three decades of professional experience, his work spans documentary, fiction, interactive media, and education, positioning him as a key figure linking screen culture with immersive practice in the Middle East and Australia.
Dahdals’ early career was spent in Australian documentary and public broadcasting, where he contributed to long-form and experimental projects for national audiences. He was involved in pioneering interactive documentary initiatives that helped redefine how audiences engage with historical and social narratives beyond linear film.
Notable projects include Long Journey, Young Lives from 2002 and First Australians from 2008, both recognised for expanding documentary storytelling through digital platforms. These works established his reputation for innovation, ethical engagement, and narrative clarity across complex subject matter.
In recent years, Dahdal has focused on immersive and spatial storytelling, developing VR and AR works that connect audiences with cultural memory, identity, and place. Based in Sharjah, he has led and collaborated on projects that combine heritage research with emerging media, often involving student participation and community engagement. Key immersive works include Monument Resistance AR from 2022 and Sharjah Fort VR from 2023, both of which have received international attention. His latest fiction film, Khaled and Nema from 2024, is currently screening at major international film festivals.
Alongside his creative practice, Dahdal is Associate Professor of Media Communication and Head of Department at the American University of Sharjah. He has previously taught in Australia, including at leading film and media institutions, and remains active as a mentor, researcher, and jury member within the regional film ecosystem.
Films and immersive works
Long Journey, Young Lives 2002
First Australians 2008
Monument Resistance AR 2022
Sharjah Fort VR 2023
Emirati Stories VR
Khaled and Nema 2024
