Short Film News (SFN)- The Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) unveiled an illustrious roster of respected film industry professionals who will serve as jury members for the 2009 Middle East International Film Festival.

The narrative feature competition will be spearheaded by Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, while documentary filmmaker James Longley will lead the documentary feature competition jury and Yousry Nasrallah serves as president of the shorts competition jury.

Narrative jurors are Joan Chen, producer Sunil Doshi, director Mohamed Khan, director Nayla Al Khaja and producer Michael Fitzgerald.

Documentary jurors are director Gonzalo Arijon, producer Joslyn Barnes, filmmaker Rashid Masharawi and actress Hend Sabri.

The shorts competition jury comprises director Deepa Mehta, festival director Gary Meyer, actress Menna Shalabi and director Chadi Zeneddine.

"It's gratifying that some of the leading names in international filmmaking have agreed to participate in the difficult but rewarding work of determining which of our outstanding entries will walk away with some of the most generous prizes any festival offers. In this task, we're happy that they'll be joined by some new talents as well," said Peter Scarlet, MEIFF Executive Director.

The Middle East International Film Festival runs from October 8-17.