Film consultant Colin Brown, Managing Partner and Director of International Operations at MAD Solutions, will moderate a panel discussion at Arabian Sights Film Festival (16-25 October) in Washington DC.

To be held on Saturday 24 October, the discussion will take place under the title "New Arab Cinema" with a focus on the developments in the Arab film industry, such as the increase in the number of films produced, the range of issues highlighted, the new film styles and genres, in addition to financial and technical opportunities available for Arab filmmakers.

In addition to Brown, the discussion will feature Perihan Abou Zeid, founder and CEO of MoviePigs, founder director Majid Al Ansari (Zenzana), Raymond Karam, Director of Program Outreach and Communication, the Gulf States Program in Washington, director Sherif Nakhla (Les Petits Chats), director Najwa Najjar (Eyes of a Thief), and director Khadija Al-Salami (I Am Nojoom, Age 10 And Divorced). A reception will take place following the panel where audience members interact with the guest filmmakers and amongst themselves as well.

The Arabian Sights Film Festival is running under the jurisdiction of the Washington International Film Festival held in April of each year. This year, the Arabian Sights Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with a line-up of 12 films from 6 Arab countries., Sherin Gharib, Festival Director, has previously remarked that 50% of the festival's attendees are Americans-a percentage which makes the festival an irreplaceable window revealing another artistic view of Arabs far from the usual stereotyped patterns. That is why the festival seeks to present unusual facets of Arab societies as they attempt to pave their way through current challenges and previous mistakes.

Details on the New Arab Cinema Panel Discussion at Arabian Sights Film Festival in Washington, DC:

Saturday 24 October, 04:00 pm (GMT-4)at AMC Mazza Gallerie