Launched in 2017 and the first of its kind in North America, the Arab Film and Media Institute aims to be a complete ecosystem to cultivate, nurture, and celebrate Arab talent in the United States. Starting with organizing school screenings, and growing into offering filmmaker services and original programming, AFMI is the place for Arab cinema and its fans, and the home of the Arab Film Festival.
Founded in 1996, the Arab Film Festival is the largest and oldest film festival showcasing cutting-edge work from and about the Arab World in North America. With an international standing, AFF is considered one of the most important showcases of Arab cinema outside the Arab World presenting award-winning contemporary films that provide insight into the beauty, complexity, and diversity of the Arab World alongside realistic perspectives on Arab people, culture, art, history and politics.
The 24th Annual Arab Film Festival will take place in the San Francisco Bay Area October 16-25 followed by regional editions throughout the country including Los Angeles.
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