Through a series of panels, awards and networking events, the ACC will showcase the depth of Arab cinema, delve into major industry developments across the MENA region, and encourage global dialogue among leading filmmakers, producers and decision-makers.
The Arab Cinema Centre (ACC), in partnership with the Marché du Film, is set to return to the Cannes Film Festival with a four-day programme running from May 15 to 18, 2025. Designed to spotlight the diversity of Arab cinema, the initiative will feature a series of industry panels, award ceremonies and discussions aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue within the global film community.
This year’s edition will address critical themes shaping the audiovisual landscape across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including the rise of regional production hubs, funding challenges and international co-production opportunities. Industry professionals from across the Arab world and beyond—including filmmakers, producers and key decision-makers—are expected to participate.
Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, Co-Founders of the Arab Cinema Centre, said: “This year’s Cannes edition marks another year in which we inform, educate, and sing the praises of the pan-Arab cinema industry. We will be highlighting its depth and richness, while at the same time creating an agenda for what remains to be done at an industry level. As always, we’d like to thank Marché du Film for this ongoing collaboration and for the platform it provides to our corner of the world.
“This year, aside from annual events like the Critics Awards for Arab Films and the ceremony to name the Arab Cinema Personality of the Year, we have a bevy of panels lined up for those keen to learn about the Arab World’s largest filmmaking hub: Egypt; we will also shine a timely spotlight on Palestinian cinema; and we will examine important new funding avenues for Arab films and the secrets for success when it comes to international co-productions. It’s a lot to discuss, but there’s no better place to do it than at the Cannes Marché.”
In addition to staple events like the Critics Awards for Arab Films and the Arab Cinema Personality of the Year ceremony, the ACC will host four curated panels. These include sessions examining Egypt’s prominent role in Arab cinema, a spotlight on Palestinian filmmaking, insights into authentic Arab co-productions and a discussion on innovative equity financing models for Arab film projects.
The Arab Cinema Personality of the Year will be honoured in a private ceremony on May 15, while the Critics Awards, which launched in Cannes in 2017, will take place on May 17 at the Plage des Palmes, with more than 280 international film critics selecting the winners.
Notable figures participating this year include Egyptian actress Youssra, Royal Film Commission of Jordan’s Mohannad Al Bakri, Orascom’s Samih Sawiris, Hussein Fahmy, Mohamed Hefzy, Amr Mansi, Morad Mostafa and May Odeh, among many others.
Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film, added: “We are happy to welcome back Arab Cinema Centre at the Marché du Film. Their continued engagement and curated programming contribute to shining a light on the richness and complexity of Arab cinema, while helping structure conversations that matter across our industry. This long-standing collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering diverse perspectives and facilitating meaningful exchange across the global film community.”
The Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes opens its doors on May 13, 2025, with the film market running until May 21 and the festival concluding its activities on May 24.
