Ish Ait Hamou

Ish Ait Hamou (b. 1987) is a Belgian novelist, screenwriter, and film director whose work bridges cultures and communities through powerful storytelling. He is the author of five novels and an essay, and made his feature film debut with 'BXL' - a critically acclaimed project that marked his transition from page to screen. His bestselling novel, He, She and the Inevitable Us, established him as one of Belgium’s most widely read authors, celebrated for a style that is both accessible and deeply resonant. In recognition of his literary and societal impact, Ait-Hamou was awarded the Flemish Honorary Insignia and the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by Ghent University. Driven by a commitment to dialogue and inclusion, he sees storytelling as a way to build bridges across divided communities - a vision that earned him the Equality Award in 2016. His work continues to engage diverse audiences, sparking reflection and connection through compelling narratives rooted in real-world complexities.

Photo © Shed Mojahid