About us
The Third Side
Every work of art is a triangle:
A creator who makes, a work that is made, and an audience that receives. We believe critical writing is the third side that connects them.
The Third Side is an independent Arab magazine covering cinema, theater and literature, following festivals and arts events with a serious, passionate eye.
What we write about
We come close to the big screen with critical readings and conversations with its makers, step onto the stage to follow shows, texts and directors, and open new books and classics with a loving eye. Three arts in dialogue, one picture of a living Arab culture.
Our journey
- 2020
The idea
A group of critics dreaming of an independent Arab space to write about art.
- 2022
The launch
The site launches with cinema, theater and literature sections.
- 2024
Festivals
On-the-ground coverage of the major Arab and international festivals.
- 2026
Today
Hundreds of articles, dozens of writers and an audience that grows every day.
What we believe in
01
Independence
A free opinion that answers only to art.
02
Depth
A reading that goes beyond the surface to the meaning.
03
Passion
We write about art because we love it.
04
Closeness
Clear language that reaches every reader.
Why readers choose The Third Side?
Because we don't stop at the news; we look for the meaning behind every work of art.
01
Serious criticism, plain language
We write for the specialist and the everyday reader alike, without condescension or oversimplifying.
02
Three arts in one place
Cinema, theater and literature under one roof, each in conversation with the others.
03
Live festival coverage
We are where art happens, and bring the harvest as it comes.
04
New voices
We open the door to young writers and critics with different perspectives.
The team
Sara Mahmoud
Writer and editor
Ahmed Ali
Writer and editor
Mona Hassan
Writer and editor
Karim Said
Writer and editor