His film debut was in 1998 when he directed his first film, Het de kippetje (The Fourteenth Chick), from a script by writer Arnon Grunberg. Later films include the short Nazareth 2000 and Rana’s Wedding.

But it was Abu Assad’s third feature length film, Paradise Now, which catapulted him onto the international scene. Paradise Now tells the story of two young Palestinians and their struggle against oppression. In Berlin its was awarded Best European Film at a ceremony picketed by demonstrators, Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, and an Oscar nomination in the same category.

The controversial film has been broadcast to hundreds of millions around the world, and given Abu Assad access not just to the masses, but to decision makers and world leaders.

Abu Assad formed his own production company in 1990.