A Video Summarizing the Arab Cinema Center (ACC) Activities in Berlin and Cannes

Back to Press Releases

A Video Summarizing the Arab Cinema Center (ACC) Activities in Berlin and Cannes


Audiences, before film critics, often wonder why Arab films never reach the international scene, and if the content of these films does not fit with non-Arab cultures, or if Arab filmmakers are unable to promote these works internationally. In an attempt to answer these questions, the Arab Cinema Center (ACC) was born to function as an international platform to support Arab cinema. Organized by MAD Solutions, the ACC successfully released two editions this year so far in the aim of promoting Arab cinema in international film events and boost interest in Arab cinema culture and business. Lately, and before the launch of its third edition, MAD Solutions unveiled a video presenting the reactions and impressions of the participating filmmakers in Berlin and Cannes film festivals.

Through its diverse activities and events, the Centre functions as a professional medium for Arab filmmakers to explore and network with the international film industry professionals, production companies' representatives, distribution slates and organizations investing in co-productions.

The Center debuted at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival in 2015, promoting 11 film industry institutions and companies and it received averagely 1500 daily visitors, and managing 7 interactive meetings that were held with a group of distinguished members of the industry; including the Robert Bosch Stiftung (Germany), in addition to connecting with 20 film festivals to attract Arab participations.

These activities were reflected in the media coverage of the ACC; 109 press releases were printed and released online about the Center on magazines including Variety magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and Screen magazine, among others.

The second edition of ACC was launched at the 68th installment of Cannes Film Festival. This time, the Center promoted 18 organizations and companies, which meant a 40% increase in networking than the first edition. Variety magazine became an official media sponsor for the Center by publishing all its related news. The Center formed another partnership with Festival Scope to publish news online and consequently 141 press releases about the Center were published in printed and online media outlets in the Arab world and worldwide.

During this edition, 7 interactive meetings were held with a group of filmmakers belonging to distinguished international organizations and film festivals, including Venice, Berlin, Locarno, Beijing, and Toronto. The Center was visited by almost 5000 film enthusiasts during the festival.

During the Cannes Short Film Corner, Basil Kahlil's AVE MARIA was screened and promoted by the Arab Cinema Center. The screening was attended by almost 607 audience members making it one of the most watched films at the festival, which stands as a testament to the ability of Arab films in attracting audiences from all over the world.

This smashing success and ample welcome received by ACC while promoting Arab films in Berlin and Cannes proves that the Arab film industry is in dire need of creativity and successful promotion. The Arab world is full of talented filmmakers whose works deserve to be given opportunity to see the light. Taking the filmmaking hub to further destinations, MAD Solutions made the anticipated announcement of the launch of a 3rd edition of the ACC and will reveal more information on the hosting festival at a later date.