EXCLUSIVE: Watermelon Pictures – which was launched in 2024 by siblings Hamza Ali and Badie Ali with its roots in Palestinian culture and to amplify underrepresented filmmakers – continues to expand.
The Chicago-based company has announced the appointment of Nabil Kazi as Executive Vice President of Marketing & Brand Development. The respected marketing and brand strategist previously held roles at The Walt Disney Company, 20th Century Fox, and Illumination Entertainment.
His appointment comes as the company continues to grows its presence in the independent film and production space.
In its second year of operations, the company is gearing up for a buzzy awards season as the U.S. distributor of Best International Feature Film entries Palestine 36 by Annemarie Jacir (Palestine) and All That’s Left of You by Cherien Dabis (Jordan).
The Ali brothers also hold executive producer credits on Tunisia’s entry, the Gaza drama The Voice of Hind Rajab, which was produced in association with Watermelon Pictures.
Kazi has been working as consultant for Watermelon for some time but this newly created role will see him lead the company’s global marketing strategy and oversee the development of original projects.
He will work closely with industry veteran and EVP of Distribution, Justin DiPietro and Watermelon’s Head of Marketing, Audrey Delaney, who both joined the company last year.
The marketing veteran brings extensive global marketing experience across film, television, and sports.
As SVP of Marketing and Brand at Illumination, he led campaigns for The Secret Life of Pets, Sing, Despicable Me 3, among others.
Kazi previously held senior roles at Disney and 20th Century Fox, working on iconic franchises like Toy Story, Tangled, The Simpsons, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
He began his career opening Disney’s first offices in India before moving to Walt Disney Animation Studios and ABC Television, contributing to global hits including Wreck-It Ralph, Grey’s Anatomy, and Modern Family. Kazi also founded and led the Disney Triathlon team, raising $2 million for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles alongside their team captain, Bob Iger.
“Nabil’s track record in building global campaigns for some of the well known entertainment brands is extraordinary,” said Badie Ali, Co-Founder of Watermelon Pictures. “His vision and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to scale the company, develop ambitious projects, and bring bold, original stories to audiences worldwide.”
“It’s a privilege to partner with the Watermelon Pictures team to shape the awards campaigns and marketing strategies for a slate of films that carry such depth and purpose,” said Kazi “My goal is to engage a wider audience and celebrate the powerful creative voices of these outstanding women directors and Watermelon’s future projects to come.”
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