14th ALFILM - Arab Film Festival Berlin

The festival opens on April 26 with the Moroccan feature film "The Damned Don't Cry" by Fyzal Boulifa at Kino Arsenal. In the ALFILM Selection, film productions from the last two years show the diversity of the current Arab film landscape.

As part of a special program dedicated to actor Saleh Bakri, guest of honor at this year's edition, three of his latest films will be screened in his presence (The Blue Caftan by Myriam Touzani, Beirut Hold'em by Michel Kammoun and Alam by Firas Khoury). In addition, Saleh Bakri will participate in a masterclass focusing on his extensive career and commitment to Arab and Palestinian cinema.

This year, the 14th ALFILM Selection focuses particularly on Palestinian cinema 75 years after the Nakba. Among others, Foragers by Jumana Manna, Mediterranean Fever by Maha Haj and Alam by Firas Khoury will be screened. There will also be a panel discussion on the topic.

In addition, many of the feature and short films question traditional gender identities and feature queer storylines and protagonist:s who must renegotiate heteronormative gender roles. The documentary section of the 14th ALFILM Selection features many female voices fighting for their stories and those of their communities to be heard.

The ALFILM Spotlight, entitled Ghosts, Griefs and Lost Dreams: Visions of the City in Arab Cinema, opens with the film Ashkal by Youssef Chebbi. The curated film program is dedicated to the representation of Arab cities in classic and new contemporary film productions, highlighting the role of cinema in documenting urban change and visions of urban modernity.

The ALFILM Atelier will feature numerous film talks, two panel discussions and two master classes. A special focus will be devoted to the Arab diaspora in a panel discussion entitled "The Arab City Re-envisioned: Perspectives on Exile."