As every year, the center of Arabic cinema (Arab Cinema Center – ACC) finds the film market at the Cannes Film Festival, faithful to its mission to enhance Arabic cinema and its talents, through dense programming, made of meetings, debates and celebrations. From May 15 to 18, 2025, six events are planned, divided between the main course, the Palmes beach and the space The Viewpoint (Lérins), mixing analyzes, tributes and future perspectives.
The kick -off will be given on May 15 at 11:30 am with a discussion entitled “Egypt, nation of the Arab blockbuster”devoted to the central role of Egypt in the region’s film industry. With a rich heritage and an unequaled regional influence, Egyptian production will be approached as an economic and creative engine of a redefinition industry.
The same day at 5:00 p.m., an event on invitation will be held in The Viewpoint: “Arab personality of the year”a tradition of the center which distinguishes an influential figure from the Arab audiovisual landscape for its commitment and its impact.
On May 16, two meetings will be addressed to professionals. At 10:00 am, “Palestinian cinema under the spotlight” will honor Palestinian film production. In a tense political context, this round table will offer a space of expression to Palestinian voices, their stories and their resilience. At 11:30 am, still in The Viewpoint, a case study on a successful Arab co -production will be presented under the title “Anatomy of an authentic Arab co -production”highlighting the challenges of interregional collaboration, funding for artistic management.
On May 17 at 5:00 p.m., one of the highlights of ACC: Critics’ prizes for Arabic cinemaa ceremony that distinguishes the best Arab works according to criticism from the region. Organized on the Palmes beach, the event – by invitation – brings together filmmakers, journalists and professionals for an evening under the sign of excellence.
Finally, on May 18 at 2:00 p.m., the panel “Ek funding: Opening new financing ways for Arabic cinema” will close this series, by exploring innovative mechanisms, in particular with non -traditional investors.
A lasting relationship with the Cannes Film Festival
The presence of ACC in the film market is part of a relationship of trust woven with the Cannes Film Festival over the years. For more than a decade, the ACC has been acting as a real bridge between professionals in the Arab world and the international network. Thanks to its stands, publications, panels, and an active networking with global institutions, it offers continuous visibility to works, talents, but also to the specific challenges of Arab cinemas.
By welcoming these initiatives at the heart of its market, the Cannes Festival reaffirms its commitment to film diversity. This framework that is both prestigious and demanding allows the ACC to bring Arab votes high, in a context conducive to discovery, dialogue and negotiation.
The advantages of a strategic presence at the film market
Being present in Cannes via the film market is to benefit from an exceptional platform. Each year, more than 12,500 professionals from nearly 120 countries are there. This is where distribution negotiations are beginning, that co -productions are woven, that decisive collaborations are taking shape.
For young Arab talents, it is the unique opportunity to present their work to an international audience, to benefit from the advice of experienced mentors, and to fit into a global ecosystem. The numerous ACC initiatives – Distribution of Arab Cinema Magazinenetworking sessions, provision of professional resources via the Arabic cinema guide – Reinforce this strategic presence.
Beyond punctual events, the Center offers a real long-term support: it identifies opportunities, facilitates meetings and defends an ambitious vision of Arab cinema, actively contributing to its integration into global dynamics.
A consolidation and opening strategy
The 2025 edition confirms this ambition. By highlighting strong themes – such as the visibility of Palestinian cinema, the power of Egyptian industry or new funding strategies – ACC affirms its role as a catalyst. He brings together around him institutions, criticisms, producers, distributors and filmmakers to think together the future of the Arabic story on the screen.
By combining strategic vision, active support for creation and large -scale networking, the center of Arab cinema confirms its essential gateway position in Cannes between the talents of the region and the rest of the world.
Neïla Driss
