21st Arab World Film Festival to Open in São Paulo on Wednesday
UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Sep, 2026
The 21st Arab World Film Festival: A Showcase of Arab Societies in Motion
The 21st Arab World Film Festival is set to commence in São Paulo on Wednesday, presenting a selection of nine films, seven of which are having their Brazilian debut. The festival, running until September 8th, explores themes of memory, territory, family, displacement, and transformation across diverse Arab societies.
Opening Night: Calle Málaga (2025)
The festival will kick off with Calle Málaga, directed by Maryam Touzani and starring Carmen Maura. The film follows a Spanish woman, living in Tangier, Morocco, grappling with staying in the city after her daughter decides to sell their apartment.
Festival Curator's Perspective
Arthur Jafet, festival curator, emphasizes the selection's aim to portray Arab societies in a dynamic light, moving beyond stereotypical representations. He notes, "In these films, the past is not merely nostalgia but living material that cinema recovers, questions, and reinvents."
Notable Films:
- Cotton Queen (2025) by Suzannah Mirghani: Depicts economic and social shifts post-British colonial rule in Sudan.
- Hijra (2025) by Shahad Ameen: Explores the relationships of three generations of women from the same family in Saudi Arabia with tradition.
- Where the Wind Comes From (2025) by Amel Guellaty: Uses humor to narrate the journey of two young individuals across Tunisia to participate in a competition.
Celebrating Diversity
Jafet highlights the festival's mission to showcase the diversity within the Arab world, featuring films from Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Iraq. After 21 editions, the festival remains committed to presenting Brazilian audiences with a nuanced view of Arab societies, beyond simplistic images.
He adds, "Over these 21 years, the festival has witnessed a significant evolution in Arab cinema, with increased female representation, exposure for previously lesser-known countries, and a growing diversity of languages and themes."