
The flagship event of the Arab Film and Media Institute, the Arab Film Festival is the longest running independent festival of its kind in North America. Launched in 1996, the festival’s mission is to present the best of contemporary films that illuminate the richness of Arab culture through authentic narratives and images, providing insight into the beauty and complexity of the Arab world.
The festival also offers special programming to local audiences, and unprecedented access to the diversity and range of authentic Arab experiences. The festival has gained an international reputation for excellence and offers its audiences access to media that reflects the lives of under-represented and provocative themes and groups on a cultural and societal level.
Dates for the 27th edition of the Arab Film Festival are still pending due to local restrictions, but currently slated for November 10-19, 2023. We expect a hybrid model of limited in-person screenings in San Francisco and Los Angeles, with virtual offerings available nationally.
*Submissions will also qualify for InFocus: Arab Cinema, in partnership with NewFilmmakers LA and the Academy of Motion Pictures.
We can’t wait to watch your films!
Competition
The Arab Film Awards* celebrate filmmakers whose original works are distinguished in their respective categories. A pre-screening committee will select four finalists in each category after reviewing all films in the official selection (all films in the official selection are considered "in competition"). A jury made up of important members of the film and academic communities will select the outstanding works from the shortlist and bestow the Award Of Recognition to directors in the following categories:
-Best Narrative Feature
-Best Documentary Feature
-Best Short Film
-Best Debut Feature
-Audience Award