The opening film of the festival will be 'Passing Dreams' by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi.
The Malmö Arab Film Festival (MAFF) has revealed its film programme and jury members for its 15th edition, set to run from April 29 to May 5, 2025. The festival will showcase 35 films—23 feature films and 12 short films—representing storytelling from 12 Arab nations, with co-productions involving 10 Western countries.
This year’s feature film competition includes 12 titles, while 11 short films will vie for top honours in their category. Additional highlights include selections in the “Arabian Nights,” “Special Screenings,” “Schools Screenings”, and “Family Screening” sections, each offering diverse cinematic perspectives and engaging narratives.
Commenting on the selection of films, Founder – Executive Chairman of the festival, Mouhamad Keblawi, said: “We are proud that the 15th edition of the Malmö Arab Film Festival brings together a selection of the finest recent Arab cinematic productions, reflecting the cultural diversity and creative richness of Arab filmmakers. This year, we have carefully curated a well-rounded program featuring powerful films with compelling themes and distinctive directorial visions, offering audiences a unique cinematic experience and the opportunity to engage with the filmmakers themselves.”
The festival will open with Passing Dreams by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, a co-production between Palestine, Sweden, Saudi Arabia and France. The film sets the tone for a week of cross-cultural dialogue and cinematic celebration.
Expanding its reach beyond Malmö, the festival will also hold screenings in the nearby cities of Lund and Landskrona. Lund will feature 11 films on April 29, May 2 and May 3, while Landskrona will host a special screening of two films on May 3, allowing more audiences across southern Sweden to experience the festival’s offerings.
Among the standout titles in the Feature Film Competition are Arzé by Mira Shaib, Diaries from Lebanon by Myriam El Hajj, Everybody Loves Touda by Nabil Ayouch, Norah by Tawfik Alzaidi and The Brink of Dreams by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir. These films reflect a range of contemporary issues, artistic styles and collaborative international efforts.
The Short Film Competition includes notable entries such as Abu Judy, Bougainvillea, Chikha and Upshot, showcasing emerging talent and new voices in Arab cinema.
Additional films to be screened include The Bridge and Il Signor in the Arabian Nights section, The Bad Son and Aziz Epoch in Special Screenings, and selections tailored for educational and family audiences.
As MAFF continues to grow in scope and impact, its 15th edition reaffirms its role as a vital hub for Arab filmmakers and audiences in Europe, celebrating the evolving identity and creative force of Arab cinema on a global stage.
