The Arab Film Festival Berlin (AFFB), Germany’s largest cinema event dedicated to Arab-language film, has announced an open call for submissions for its 17th edition, scheduled for April 22-28, 2026.
The festival, organized by the non-profit Arab Center for Arts and Film Culture, serves as a crucial platform for innovative filmmaking from the Arab world and its diaspora. Since its founding in 2009, the event has worked to challenge stereotypes and present new perspectives on Arab culture and history through cinema.
The program is structured around two main sections:
- Festival Selections: A broad lineup of feature films, documentaries, and shorts, many receiving their German or European premieres.
- Spotlight Section: A curated program focusing on urgent social and artistic themes, pairing contemporary works with classic Arab cinema.
Beyond screenings, the festival features panel discussions, masterclasses, and artistic performances.
Submission guidelines for filmmakers are now active. To be eligible, films must:
- Have been produced after 2024.
- Have screened at least once at an international film festival.
- Meet one of three criteria: be produced in the Arab region, be directed by a filmmaker of Arab origin, or address themes related to the Arab world.
A nominal administrative fee of €5 applies to each entry. The final deadline for submissions is November 15, 2025.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essaafi)
