The Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI) is the first organization of its kind outside the Arab world — a unique ecosystem to find, nurture and develop Arab film and media projects. It was rebranded from the Arab Film Festival in 2017 to fulfill its broader mandate to empower local Arab talent to tell their communities’ stories in their own voices.

Through film, education, mentorship, and new media, AFMI’s mission is to enhance public understanding of Arab culture and provide insight into the beauty, complexity and diversity intrinsic to the Arab world.

Few venues provide an alternative to the prevailing, monolithic images depicting Arabs as violent people, trapped in victim/victimizer cycles as shown through the lens of mass media. As a result, the American public is left with a limited understanding of the various cultures and complexities found in the region and its people. Young people from Arab, Muslim and Middle Eastern communities are particularly vulnerable to the effects of racial and religious prejudice. AFMI strives to connect individuals with films that portray positive images of their heritage.

AFMI’s education program is designed to give Arab-American youth the opportunity to learn about their heritage as well as the skills to speak up and use their voices and talents to tell their stories.