The Arab Cinema Center (ACC), in collaboration with the Marché du Film, returns to Cannes with a multi-day program taking place from May 14th to the 17th. Through a series of panels and key events, the initiative continues to provide a platform for industry exchange while highlighting the evolution and growing global reach of Arab cinema.
This year’s program focuses on key themes shaping the regional and international audiovisual landscape, from leadership and talent development to innovation, resilience, and cross-border circulation. Bringing together leading voices from across the Arab World and beyond, the ACC aims to foster dialogue and collaboration at one of the industry’s most important global gatherings.
Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, Co-Founders of the Arab Cinema Center, said: “At a time when the industry is undergoing rapid transformation, it is important to reflect on how Arab cinema continues to evolve and position itself globally. This year’s program brings together voices from across the ecosystem — from decision-makers and talent representatives to producers and distributors — to explore where we stand today and where we are headed next. Cannes remains a key platform for these conversations, and we are proud to continue contributing to them.”
“We’re excited to be collaborating this year with a key player like MBC STUDIOS, as well. MBC has long acted as a lynchpin for change, development, and expansion within the pan-Arab entertainment industry, serving as a primary driver for its evolution throughout the years. It’ll be interesting to hear what insights the company has on the current state of the industry and its future plans,” they added.
Samar Akrouk, Managing Director at MBC STUDIOS and Group Director of Production at MBC GROUP added: “There is a real sense of momentum across our industry today – one that reflects both how far we have come and the opportunity that still lies ahead. With that comes a shared responsibility to continue shaping it with clarity, intention, and ambition.”
Akrouk continues: “What we are building remains a nascent ecosystem, but one that is taking form deliberately, block by block, through persistence, collaboration, and a collective belief in its potential. There is something both humbling and energizing about being part of a movement that is creating its own foundations in real time. It is not easy, and it is not immediate, but it is deeply meaningful. Platforms like Festival de Cannes, and collaborations with the Arab Cinema Center and Marché du Film, are essential in helping us align, challenge ourselves, and collectively move this industry forward.”
“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the Arab Cinema Center, whose programming plays an important role in highlighting the diversity and evolution of Arab cinema” said Guillaume Esmiol, Executive Director of the Marché du Film. “Through its panels and events, the ACC contributes to structuring meaningful conversations within the Marché du Film, bringing valuable perspectives to the global industry dialogue.”
This year’s program includes a series of panels and events addressing key industry topics:
- Big Bets, Big Audiences! The Rise of Commercial Arab Productions in collaboration with MBC STUDIOS — May 14th, 11 am – 1:30 pm (Plage des Palmes)
This panel explores what is fueling the momentum commercial Arab productions are currently experiencing, how producers are optimizing budgets for impact, and how the region is building a sustainable model for commercially successful storytelling.
- Women at the Helm: Leadership and Decision-Making in the Region – May 15th, 2 – 3 pm (Palais Stage)
Exploring the growing role of women in shaping the strategic direction of the audiovisual industry across financing, production, and distribution.
- Rising Forces: Arab Talent Regionally and Internationally – May 16th, 12 – 1 pm (Main Stage)
A discussion on the increasing visibility and global impact of Arab talent and the factors driving this momentum.
- Business Unusual: Growth and Innovation in a Changing Landscape – May 16th, 2 – 3 pm (Main Stage)
Presented in collaboration with the Kurdistan Film Commission, this session examines how the region’s industries are adapting to change through new models, partnerships, and strategies.
- Scaling Stories: Co-Productions Driving Commercial Growth in the Region – May 17th, 2 – 3 pm (Main Stage)
A conversation on how co-production models are evolving, what makes collaborations successful, and how the region can position itself as a competitive partner for commercially driven content.
In addition to its panel program, the ACC will host the 10th Critics Awards for Arab Films on May 16th at the Plage des Palmes, celebrating outstanding achievements in Arab filmmaking as selected by an international jury of film critics. Moreover, presenting the Arab Cinema Center’s Personality of the Year and Game Changer Awards.
This year’s lineup of speakers features an impressive roster of leading global film and industry professionals from both sides of the camera, as well as key figures from influential organizations, including Samar Akrouk (Managing Director at MBC STUDIOS & Group Director of Production at MBC GROUP), Tarek Al Arian (Director, Producer), Zeinab Abu Alsamh (GM MBC STUDIOS KSA, MBC ACADEMY & MBC TALENT), Suad Bushnaq (Music Composer), Amine Bouhafa (Music Composer), Baho Bakhsh (CEO at Red Star Films; Producer), Gianluca Chakra (Founder & CEO at Front Row Filmed Entertainment), Dhafer L’Abidine (Actor; Writer; Director , producer), Nadia Eliewat (CEO & Creative Director at Ta Films / Screen Project), Hussein Fahmi (Actor; President of CIFF), Mohamed Hefzy (Co-Founder at Film Clinic , screenwriter), Ali Jaafar (Head of Films and Global Series at MBC STUDIOS), Jihad Jay Abdo (CEO of the National Film Organization in Damascus),Alaa Karkouti (Co-Founder at MAD Solutions and Arab Cinema Center), Raya Abirached (TV personality), Mostafa El Kashef (Cinematographer), Marco Orsini (Producer; Co-Founder at IEFTT), Hana Al-Omair (Writer and Director; Chairperson of the Saudi Cinema Association), Rula Nasser (Producer; Founder at Imaginarium Films), Myriam Sassine (Producer), Jumana Sharbin (General Manager at Olivewood Film Studios), Wissam Smayra (Filmmaker , Producer), Mayada Al Hiraki (Founder & Producer at The Storytellers), Bavi Yassin (Founder and Chairperson at Kurdistan Film Commission), with many more speakers to be announced.
The Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes opens its doors on May 12th and runs until May 20th, gathering thousands of film professionals from around the world and providing a unique platform for international exchange, collaboration, and industry insight.
