Organized by MAD Solutions and in the light of its new year-round strategy for 2016, Arab Cinema Center (ACC) is opening the year with intensive activities at 45th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), Netherlands (27 January - 8 February 2016). Marking its first destination in 2016.

Film Analyst Alaa Karkouti, CEO of MAD Solutions, is quoted to say, "For this year, the Arab Cinema Center's strategy is aiming at opening channels for Arab filmmakers to expand the exposure of Arab films within the international market. Standing as one of the world's most prestigious film hub, we're pleased to announce that the IFFR is the ACC's first stop during 2016."

Representing MAD Solutions, Karkouti will be joining as a guest speaker at a panel discussion titled 'Innovative Sustainable Strategies for Distribution and Promotion of Audiovisual Works', which will be held within the Tiger Pro Debate program at IFFR.

Accompanying ACC at Rotterdam are producers Rula Nasser (The Imaginarium Films) from Jordan, Sabine Sidawi (Orjouane Productions) from Lebanon, and Saliee Waly (S Entertainment) from Egypt.

Furthermore, two ACC partners; Palestinian producer Rami Alayan (Palcine Productions) and Qatari-Lebanese producer Aya Al Blouchi (Seat 26), will be part of the Rotterdam Lab
programme. Taking place within the festival's co-production market CineMart, the programe is a five-day training workshop for promising emerging producers from all over the world. The aim of Rotterdam Lab is to provide emerging professionals with the means to build and develop an international network. Providing confidence and skills to navigate the world of international film financing, sales and distribution, Rotterdam Lab offers a place to almost 60 producers from over 30 countries.

ACC will host a breakfast party on Sunday, 31 January at Arcadis Zaal, Venue de Doelen for international filmmakers taking part in IFFR.

Tunisian Star Hend Sabry, who is represented and promoted by MAD Solutions, will join the jury at IFFR, becoming the first Arab artist to join the Tiger Hivos jury since 1995.

Marking the Center's second destination in 2016, ACC will be hosted at Berlinale (11-21 February) where Variety magazine will offer its Best Arab Filmmaker of 2015 award under the umbrella of the Center. The Center will also launch a film magazine listing the partners, festivals and film markets hosting it this year and will also highlight the latest updates in the Arab film market.

As part of the Arab Cinema Center's 2016 strategy, the ACC will take part in over 15 international festivals and film markets, including Hong Kong International Film Market "FilmArt" (14-17 March), Qamra International Forum for Filmmakers (17-23 March) organized by Doha Film Institute, the first Arab platform to host ACC. More details about the coming festivals and film markets slated to host the ACC in 2016 will be revealed on a later date.

In addition, MAD Solutions has announced a year-round media partnership with Variety Magazine, one of the oldest entertainment magazines in the world, to promote ACC's 2016 activities that will engage a number of key Arab filmmakers.

Arab Cinema Center (ACC) is operating as an international promotional platform for Arab cinema as it provides Arab filmmakers with a professional window to connect with filmmakers all over the world through a number of events that it organizes and 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 sessions for Arab and foreign filmmakers, welcome parties, meetings with international organizations and festivals, in addition to releasing an ACC guide to be distributed among the Film Market visitors.