Experience the best of Arab cinema featuring powerful films and insightful discussions.
Film buffs, this one's for you. The Safar Film Festival — the UK's largest showcase of Arab cinema – is back in London. Taking place from 11 to 28 June, this year's lineup promises to be the most compelling one yet.
Since its inception in 2012, the Safar Film Festival has been dedicated to showcasing cinema from the Arab world, and this year's lineup promises to be the most compelling yet. Expect screenings in London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Clevedon, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Oxford and Plymouth.
Opening with a newly restored version of the 1972 Egyptian musical Watch Out for Zouzou, the London programme spans genres and generations. Highlights include the cult Egyptian horror film Fangs (1981) by Mohammad Shabl, Ghassan Salhab’s haunting Phantom Beirut (1998), and Alaeddine Slim’s philosophical Agora (2024) from Tunisia.
Egyptian documentary The Brink of Dreams (2024) captures the hopes of young women in Upper Egypt, while Layla (2024) by Amrou Al-Kadhi explores queer British-Iraqi identity. Palestinian actor and director Mohammad Bakri presents Upshot (2024) and the powerful Jenin, Jenin (2002), both followed by Q&A sessions.
The programme also includes Rooted Resistance, a short film collection from Lebanon that focuses on resilience; Shifting Tides, which reflects on change across Arab societies; and Who Do I Belong To + Tea Ceremony (2024), two introspective films by Meryam Joobeur that explore family and belonging.
SAFAR shines a spotlight on the depth and diversity of Arab cinema by curating themed film programmes and hosting live Q&As with regional filmmakers. Beyond screenings, SAFAR plays a vital role in shaping the UK film landscape, offering industry events and support for emerging Arab British talent.
Organised by the Arab British Centre, the Safar Film Festival offers a platform for audiences to dive into Arab cinema, exploring its past, present, and future. Not only does it prove to be an educational experience, taking you deep into the stories of the Middle East, but it also enhances representation. With an array of programs and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, the Safar Film Festival is an all-encompassing celebration of cultural diversity and cinematic brilliance.
GO: Visit www.safarfilmfestival.co.uk for more information.