The next edition of the Arab Film Festival (AFF) will take place from 5-10 September 2023. This year, the festival will spotlight women in Arab cinema, pay tribute to the founder of Arab music, and share refugee stories. The festival will take place at three locations in Rotterdam: LantarenVenster, Pathé Schouwburgplein, and Verhalenhuis Belvédère.
From drama to comedy, these films are as diverse as the areas where they come from. Nostalgia, love, social commentary; the AAF has it all. At Arab Film Festival Rotterdam, expect a diverse program, of an equally diverse group of creators. View the entire Arab Film Festival program on the Arab Film Festival website.
Arab Film Festival RotterdamA focus on women in Arab cinema
This year, the festival will highlight the growing presence of women in Arab cinema, not just as filmmakers and directors, but also as producers. Five films that specifically illuminate the experiences of women and/or are made by women will be featured, including “Big Little Women” (2022), “Riverbed” (2022), and “Inshallah a Boy” (2023). The festival will open with “Queens” (2022), and “The Last Queen”, the first Algerian costume drama ever made, will also be showcased.
Refugee stories brought to life
The festival will present a selection of films that humanise refugees, moving beyond mere statistics. “Baghdad Messi” (2023, Sahim Omar Kalifa) tells the story of 11-year-old Hamoudi, who loses his leg in an attack in Iraq but continues to chase his dream. “Joseph's Journey” (2022) by director Joud Saeed depicts Joseph and his grandson Ziyad starting a new life in war-torn Syria.
Celebrating 100 years of Sayed Darwish
The 2023 edition of the festival will pay tribute to composer Sayed Darwish (1892-1923), the father of modern Arab music. The festival will open with a unique crossover between film and music, featuring live concert performances alongside fragments from the biographical film “Sayed Darwish” (1966).
Opening night / Celebrating 100 years of Sayed Darwish
The 2023 edition of the festival pays tribute to composer Sayed Darwish (1892-1923), recognized as the father of modern Arabic music. On the opening night, September 5th at 8:30 pm, the festival will not only showcase the film "Queens" (2022) but will also feature a unique crossover between film and music. During a live concert, excerpts from the biographical film "Sayed Darwish" (1966) will be screened, highlighting the life and contributions of the influential Egyptian singer and composer. This film celebrates his contributions to modern Egyptian music and his involvement in the Egyptian revolution of 1919.
The spectacular opening will also include performances by the DoelenEnsemble and the Marmoucha Orchestra, presenting modern renditions of Darwish's compositions, crafted by Martin Fondse, the Composer of the Nation. Renowned Moroccan pop singer Zakaria Ghafouli will offer attendees a journey through the Arabic musical landscape.
Additionally, the film "Queens" by Yasmine Benkiran will be presented, followed by a Q&A session with actress Nisrin Erradi. Inspired by "Thelma & Louise", this Moroccan film portrays the journey of two women and a young girl across the desert in pursuit of freedom. Director Yasmine Benkiran emphasizes themes of femininity, freedom, and the beauty of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains in this tribute to female empowerment..
A diverse programme
The Arab Film Festival will showcase films that are rarely seen in Dutch cinemas. The programme will include art house films, comedies, and animated films for all ages.
About the Arab Film Festival
The Arab Film Festival will take place from 5th to 10th September 2023 at three locations in Rotterdam: LantarenVenster, Pathé Schouwburgplein, and Verhalenhuis Belvédère. The festival, in collaboration with partners in the MENA region, annually selects a high-quality programme that breaks stereotypes and provides an overview of the most important films from Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.
Directions
The festival venues, LantarenVenster, Pathé Schouwburgplein, and Verhalenhuis Belvédère, are all located in the heart of Rotterdam, easily accessible by public transport.
