The San Diego Arab Film Festival (San Diego AFF) invites submissions for its upcoming festival scheduled for April 4-13. 2025. San Diego AFF is seeking narrative, documentary, experimental and animated films, both features and shorts.

San Diego AFF began in 2012 and presents films from and about the Arab World that reinforce the humanity of its peoples and that highlight the dynamism and creativity of contemporary Arab culture. The Festival strives to present top-quality films that offer honest and realistic portrayals of the peoples of the Arab World, their culture, history and politics without reinforcing negative stereotypes.

San Diego AFF is a project of KARAMA, a 501(c)(3) in San Diego. For more information about the Festival, visit www.sandiegoaff.org. For information about KARAMA, visit www.karamanow.org.

Awards & Prizes

Selected films will be entered into competition for Audience Choice Awards for Feature Film and Short Film.

Rules & Terms

San Diego Arab Film Festival seeks films from and about the Arab World produced between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024. Films must have legible English subtitles unless there is little or no dialogue.

Formats

San Diego AFF prefers that submissions be made via FilmFreeway, however downloadable links (with passwords) may be submitted to lchristian@sandiegoaff.org. Selected films must be available in DCP, high resolution .264 or MP4 format with a frame rate of 24fps. Please include director's name, country of origin, and a brief description.

By special arrangements, submissions may be made by mail or delivery service with the understanding that San Diego AFF will not bear costs related to shipping and that submitted media may not be returned. Contact lchristian@sandiegoaff.org for further information.

Selected Films

Official Selections will be asked to provide a password protected link for previewing, high resolutions stills and any available press materials for use in publicizing the film and the Festival.
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  • Boudra Ali

    We are very happy to participate, in this wonderful festival, more brilliance to serve international cinema, success and interest in Arab cinema in order to discover more filmmakers from the Arab world, many thanks to all.

    March 2023
    Helpful
  • Houssam Hamo

    Great event !
    It was an honor to be part of it.

    March 2023
    Helpful