Interview with Yara Melki – AFMI Creators
The Arab Film and Media Institute's Creators Program supports emerging Arab and Arab American filmmakers, through fiscal sponsorship, mentorship, and more. Today, we highlight Yara Melki, and her new short film, Alya. An NYU Tisch alum, the script for Melki's film was inspired by her upbringing in Lebanon, and something
Haifaa Al Mansour Will Chair the Jury of the 30th Arab Film Festival
This year the Arab Film Festival turns 30! As our programming team is finalizing the list of films and events for the 2026 edition, we can already share that Haifaa Al Mansour will be Jury Chair. Haifaa Al Mansour is the first female filmmaker from Saudi Arabia and the most
Arab Films at TIFF 2026
One of the biggest film events in the world, the Toronto International Film Festival, kicks off this week, on the coattails of last week's Venice Film Festival. We're here for the annual Arab films at TIFF roundup! While some films that premiered in Venice are having their North American premiere
Arab Films at the 2026 Venice Film Festival
Arab Films at the 2026 Venice Film Festival Another year, another Fall film festival season, another round-up of Arab cinema from the 2026 Venice International Film Festival. Running from September 2nd to the 12th, a handful of films from around the Arab world will premiering for the first time at
It’s Complicated Will Premiere at Hollyshorts!
We are proud to share with you that It's Complicated by Iman Karram - an AFMI fiscally sponsored project, part of AFMI Creators - will make its world premiere at Hollyshorts on August 15th. And that's not all... Zoe Saldaña joined the film as Executive Producer! It's Complicated tells the
Dearborn wins Best TV Pilot at Cinequest!
Congratulations to the Dearborn team for winning Best Television Pilot at Cinequest 2026! Dearborn is a fiscally sponsored project of AFMI Creators, and it screened at the 2025 Arab Film Festival. Dearborn stars Inji El Gammal (as seen on Ramy) and Alia Abed. It is a half hour sci-fi dramedy
What makes Arab cinema, Arab cinema?
Eman Ibrahim, Cinemayaat's Editor-in-Chief, wrote an insightful and thought-provoking piece for DAZED MENA. Titled What makes Arab cinema, Arab cinema? , it "explores how music, migration, desire and belonging have come to define Arab cinema." Here's how it begins: I have an experiment I’d like you to try the next
Queer Arab Films to Watch During Pride Month [Updated for 2026]
It's June, which means it's LGBTQ Pride Month! This is a time to celebrate people of all sexual orientations and genders. Here at AFMI, we are of course celebrating by watching movies. People are often surprised to learn that queer Arab films and filmmakers openly exist, but they most certainly
Arab Films at Cannes 2026
The Cannes Film Festival kicks off tomorrow, May 12th to the 23rd. As usual, we're bringing you a complete list of the Arab films that will be playing at one of the year's biggest film festivals. There are several Arab filmmakers and artists on important award juries this year. Canadian