ALFILM 2026 Brings Contemporary Arab Cinema to Berlin Screens
A festival that explores identity, history, and Arab storytelling across the city
April 24th, 2026
The Arab Film Festival Berlin returns from April 22 to April 28, 2026, presenting a curated selection of films from across the Arab world alongside discussions, masterclasses, and special events. Organized by the Zentrum für Arabische Filmkunst und Kultur e.V., the festival aims to expand the visibility of Arab filmmakers in Germany and challenge reductive representations through diverse cinematic voices.
The 2026 edition opens at HAU Hebbel am Ufer with Annemarie Jacir’s historical drama “Palestine 36.” Set on the eve of the 1936 Palestinian uprising, the film interweaves stories of individuals confronting British colonial authority and the displacement of local communities. By combining personal narratives with political context, the opening film frames the festival’s broader engagement with memory, resistance, and lived experience.
The program is divided into two curated sections. “ALFILM Selection” features recent productions from the past two years, emphasizing emerging voices and current developments in contemporary Arab cinema. “ALFILM Spotlight” focuses on speculative fiction, exploring how filmmakers employ genre and imaginative narratives to critically engage with colonial legacies and the region’s complex historical entanglements.
Screenings and events take place across multiple Berlin venues, including HAU Hebbel am Ufer, City Kino Wedding, Kino in der Kulturbrauerei, Sinema Transtopia, Wolf Kino, Sputnik, Flutgraben, and Festsaal Kreuzberg. The film program is accompanied by post-screening conversations, panels, and masterclasses designed to facilitate direct exchange between audiences and filmmakers.
(Conclusion)By presenting a carefully curated mix of contemporary productions, experimental works, and structured discussions, ALFILM 2026 reinforces Berlin’s role as an important platform for Arab cinematic expression. The festival provides audiences with access to films that are seldom screened in European contexts while creating opportunities for informed dialogue on historical narratives, cultural identity, and artistic innovation within the Arab world.
