A Panel Discussion Casting Light on the Challenges and Opportunities in the Arab Film Industry

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For the First Time in the European Film Market

A Panel Discussion Casting Light on the Challenges and Opportunities in the Arab Film Industry


On the sidelines of the 67th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), the European Film Market (EFM) has announced the launch of the European Industry Debates 2017, where for the first time in the EFM's history a panel discussion on the Arab film industry titled "Challenges and Opportunities in the Arab Film Industry "will be held. The discussion will take place on Saturday, February 11 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the Gropius Mirror Restaurant. The panel is organized by the European Film Market in
co-operation with Variety Magazine along with the Arab Cinema Center (ACC)that marks its third year at the Berlinale as part of its strategy that targets being at more than 20 international festivals and markets during 2017.

Moderated by Nick Vivarelli, the guest speakers include (in alphabetical order): Alaa Karkouti (Arab Cinema Center and MAD Solutions), Jacobus Kruger (General Manager of VOX Cinemas),Producer Lamia Chraibi (La Prod), Producer and Scriptwriter Mohamed Hefzy (Film Clinic), together with Entrepreneur Perihan Abo Zeid (Movie Pigs).

The panel will discuss the significant growth noticed in the Arab film industry as a market and producer of films, bringing focus to the uneven growth that varies from a country to another, and the creative and commercial challenges faced by the Arab producers and directors.

Operating for its third year in 2017, the Arab Cinema Center (ACC), organized by MAD Solutions, is an international promotional platform for Arab cinema as it provides the filmmaking industry with a professional window to connect with their counterparts from all over the world through a number of events that it organizes. ACC also provides networking opportunities with representatives of companies and institutions specialized in co-production and international distribution, among others.

The Center's activities vary between film market main wings, introduction and networking sessions for Arab and foreign filmmakers, welcome parties, as well as meetings with international organizations and festivals, and the issuance of the Arab Cinema Magazine to be distributed at the leading international film festivals and markets.

Timeand Venue of the "Challenges and Opportunities in the Arab Film Industry" Panel Discussion (GMT+1)
Saturday, February 11,from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the Gropius Mirror Restaurant