Call for Entries

Call for Entries

ALFILM — Arab Film Festival Berlin is Germany’s largest platform for the diverse film scene of the Arabic-speaking countries and communities. The festival focuses on artistically and thematically ambitious films, opening up new and unexpected perspectives on the cultures and societies of the region. ALFILM is a non-commercial film festival that has been organized annually since 2009 by the non-profit association Zentrum für arabische Filmkunst und Kultur e.V. Since then, ALFILM has collaborated with distinguished local and international partners. In its ALFILM SELECTION, the festival showcases a wide spectrum of contemporary feature films, documentaries, short films, and video art on and from the Arab-speaking region or made by Arab filmmakers. Screened at renowned venues across Berlin, many of these works are presented as German or European premieres.

The SPOTLIGHT section is a curated program with a particular theme in focus that sheds light on pressing social and political issues through both contemporary and historical Arab films, transcending genres and generations.

Beyond the screenings, ALFILM offers a vibrant program of filmmaker talks, masterclasses, expert discussions, cultural events, making the festival a unique platform for cinematic discovery and dialogue.

ALFILM – Arab Film Festival Berlin invites submissions for its next edition. We are seeking films (short or feature-length) meeting the following criteria:

• The film must not have been released before 2024.

• The film must have had its premiere (at least one screening) at an international film festival.

• One of the following must apply:

1. The film is from the Arab-speaking region (West Asia / North Africa).

2. The film is by a filmmaker of Arab origin or who lives inside or outside the region.

3. The film addresses one or more themes relevant to the history, culture, or politics of one or more countries in the North Africa/West Asia region.

There is a €5 administrative fee per submission. This fee is to help cover the costs of carefully reviewing and selecting entries. Accepted payment methods: PayPal, Card (Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, American Express, and Diners Club), iDEAL, SEPA Lastschrift, Bancontact, eps, Przelewy24, and Google Pay.

Deadline

All submissions must be received by 20 November 2025.

We look forward to seeing your film and potentially welcoming it to the ALFILM programme!