By TheWorldScreen – Rotterdam, June 2, 2025 The 25th edition of the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival (RAFF) concluded with a powerful statement: Arab
By TheWorldScreen – Rotterdam, June 2, 2025
The 25th edition of the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival (RAFF) concluded with a powerful statement: Arab cinema has not only arrived—it has rooted itself at the heart of European film culture.
Hosted at the same iconic locations as the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), the largest film festival in the Netherlands, this year’s RAFF marked its silver jubilee with expanded programming, star-studded tributes, and industry-defining awards.
The opening night was held at De Doelen, Rotterdam’s cultural landmark and the “beating heart” of IFFR, a venue known for world premieres, high-profile events, and cinematic grandeur. Meanwhile, the closing ceremony took place at LantarenVenster, another cornerstone of Rotterdam’s film scene.
Between these two anchor points, the festival’s daily activities spanned from LantarenVenster to the still-unopened hall of the FeniX Museum, a symbolic gesture highlighting RAFF’s growing ambition and futuristic outlook. It was there, amidst the museum’s raw charm, that masterclasses by acclaimed Arab stars took place—creating an unforgettable experience for aspiring filmmakers, students, and cinephiles.
Honoring Legends, Celebrating New Voices
Egyptian screen icon Laila Eloui was honored as the festival’s Guest of Honor. The tribute included a special screening of her classic film “Sam’a Hiss”, directed by legendary Sherif Arafa, followed by an inspiring masterclass. “This festival holds a very special place in my heart,” Eloui shared. “To be celebrated after decades in cinema, here in Rotterdam, is truly emotional.”
RAFF 2025 brought together a rich mosaic of stories, directors, and cinematic styles, positioning Arab cinema not on the fringes, but at the center of global cultural conversation.
🏆 Award Highlights
Best Feature Film
🎬 Yunan – Director: Ameer Fakher Eldin (Syria)
For its poetic storytelling and deep humanism.
Best Short Film
🎬 No Condolences for the Ladies – Director: Mahmoud Zein (Egypt)
Best Director (Tie)
🎬 Maha Haj (Post…, Palestine) &
🎬 Ayoub Lyoufi & Zahwa Raji (Sheikha, Morocco)
Special Jury Mentions
• Born Famous – Director: Loay Awwad (Palestine)
• Salma & Qamar (Saudi Arabia)
Best Documentary
🎥 Your Mother – Director: Samira Mezghibati (Morocco)
Best Documentary Direction
🎥 Mondov – Director: Karim Kassam (Lebanon)
Best Actress
⭐ Rola Dkhilallah – Salma & Qamar (Saudi Arabia)
Best Actor
⭐ Georges Khabbaz – Yunan (Lebanon)
Best Cinematography
📸 Scented with Mint – Mohamed Hamdy (Egypt)
Best Screenplay
🖊 Thank You for Dreaming with Us! – Leila Abbas (Palestine)
A Platform of Growth and Inclusion
The 25th edition celebrated female pioneers in Arab cinema, including tributes to Umm Kulthum and a program dedicated to women filmmakers from across the Arab world. This thematic focus was echoed in jury selections, panels, and the strong female representation in the films and the festival lineup.
The diverse jury included leading voices like Syrian star Amal Arafa, Moroccan producer Khalil Benkirane, and Saudi actress Fatima Al Banawi. Notable guests also included Dorra Zarrouk (Where Are We Now), Hana Shiha, Salwa Mohamed Ali, Zakya Tahiri, and Afaf Benhammouda—emphasizing the Arab diaspora’s growing presence on the international stage.
In total, 37 films were screened in-person, while 32 short films were made available online via cmena.nl—demonstrating RAFF’s dedication to accessibility and audience expansion.
This edition offered a compelling reflection of how far the festival has come. From its modest beginnings, the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival has evolved into a major cultural event—sharing the same physical and symbolic space as IFFR. It now stands as a testament to the rising power of Arab storytelling, reaching across continents and cultures.
“This year was a remarkable moment for our festival,” said Rosh Abdelfatah, Director of the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, in an exclusive statement to TheWorldScreen.
“We welcomed big stars, presented a wide range of voices, and had the privilege to open in the iconic De Doelen. We are truly proud to have reached such a diverse audience—not only from across the Netherlands, but from all around the world. It shows that there is a real and growing global interest in Arab cinema.”
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