ROTTERDAM One of the most anticipated highlights of RAFF26, the 26th edition of the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, will be the appearance of legendary
ROTTERDAM One of the most anticipated highlights of RAFF26, the 26th edition of the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, will be the appearance of legendary Indian composer A.R. Rahman, whose groundbreaking work has shaped modern film music across continents. The internationally acclaimed musician will attend a special screening of the Emirati feature film Bab, directed by pioneering UAE filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja, for which Rahman composed the original score—marking his first collaboration on an Arab film.
UAE filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja
Rahman’s participation is a landmark moment for the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, reflecting the festival’s growing international stature and its role as one of Europe’s leading platforms dedicated to Arab cinema. Since its founding in 2001, the festival has introduced hundreds of films from across the Arab world to European audiences, creating a unique cultural bridge between filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers from diverse backgrounds. Over the past quarter century, the festival has become an essential showcase for Arab storytelling while welcoming distinguished guests from the worlds of cinema, culture, and the arts.
AR Rahman won Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire
Widely regarded as one of the most influential film composers in cinematic history, A.R. Rahman has built a career that transcends national and cultural boundaries. Born in Chennai, India, he revolutionized contemporary film music through a distinctive fusion of classical Indian traditions, symphonic orchestration, and modern electronic sounds. His innovative approach earned him global acclaim and the enduring title of “The Mozart of Madras.”
Rahman’s remarkable list of achievements includes two Academy Awards, multiple Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA for his celebrated work on Slumdog Millionaire. His music has accompanied some of the most iconic productions in Indian and international cinema, including Roja, Bombay, Rockstar, and Ponniyin Selvan, helping redefine the emotional language of contemporary filmmaking.
His collaboration with acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja on Bab represents an important artistic exchange between the Arab world and India—two regions connected by a long-standing love of cinema. Al Khaja, one of the Gulf region’s most prominent directors, continues to expand the global reach of Arab filmmaking through bold and innovative storytelling.
At the center of Bab is the story of Wahida, a woman whose life is transformed after the death of her twin sister. When she discovers a collection of hidden cassette tapes concealed behind an old green door, she embarks on a haunting journey through memory, mystery, and revelation. Blending psychological suspense with poetic visual storytelling, the film explores themes of grief, identity, and hidden truths. Rahman’s evocative score adds emotional depth and cinematic richness, elevating the film’s atmosphere and strengthening its narrative impact.
The significance of this event extends beyond the screening itself. Following the film, Rahman will participate in a special conversation with festival audiences, offering rare insights into his creative process, the relationship between music and cinematic storytelling, and his experience composing for an Arab feature film for the first time. The session is expected to be one of the standout attractions of RAFF26, drawing filmmakers, music enthusiasts, industry professionals, and festival audiences alike.
The presence of a global cultural icon such as A.R. Rahman further demonstrates the ability of the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival to attract internationally renowned artists while strengthening connections between Arab cinema and the wider global film industry. As RAFF26 celebrates another milestone year, this exceptional event serves as a powerful example of how cinema and music continue to transcend borders, connect cultures, and inspire audiences around the world.
TheWorldScreen, part of Inana Media, the official media partner of the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, is providing extensive coverage of RAFF26, including exclusive interviews, reports, reviews, and behind-the-scenes highlights from one of Europe’s most important celebrations of Arab cinema.
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