Arab Cinema Week, the film festival set in Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue, has been confirmed for its 5th volume. Taking place from June 5 – 11, 2026, the year the program will focus on films from 10 Arab countries. Here are all the details before you book your tickets.
Spotlighting Lebanese and Sudanese cinema at the forefront, this season will showcase films that explore memory, identity, conflict, and belonging. They will range from fiction to documentary and other experimental media that reflect contemporary Arab cinema. What’s more is that the program will also facilitate Q&As and live discussions that delve deeper into the stories and the filmmaker’s vision, transcending each film beyond the screen.
The festival opens with Do You Love Me, a documentary by Lana Daher that explores Beirut’s forgotten cinematic archives and Khartoum, a collaborative documentary that weaves the perspective of five Khartoum residents, spotlighting their stories on daily life amongst the political landscape of Sudan.
Following them is The President’s Cake, an Iraqi drama by Hasan Hadi that explores 1990s Iraq; My Father and Qaddafi, an emotional documentary by Jihan K that examines the generational weight of political entanglement; Sink, a psychological drama by Zain Duraie that creates a haunting portrayal of family dynamics; and Cotton Queen, a drama by Suzannah Mirghani that spotlights Sudanese youth navigating colonial history and modern development.
Other films set to screen are Calle Malaga, a tender drama by Maryam Touzani that explores matriarchy and belonging; Souraya, Mon Amour, a heartfelt biographical documentary by Nicolas Khoury; and Cyril Aris’ A Sad and Beautiful World, closing the festival with a romantic drama that speaks on enduring love across contemporary Beirut.
Sitting amongst like-minded creatives and cinema lovers, Arab Cinema Week is a festival you wouldn’t want to miss. With their thoughtfully curated programme, it’s a season to allow cinema to penetrate deeper than entertainment and make sure that the cultural voices of our region are heard and celebrated
