From April 29 to May 5, 2025, the Malmö Arab Film Festival is back and buzzing, turning Sweden into a spotlight for Arab cinema. This year’s lineup is packed with bold voices: actors, directors, and writers making waves far beyond the region. Here’s who’s bringing the heat.
Ahmed Helmy
Few stars hold a place in people’s hearts quite like Ahmed Helmy. From his early comedy classics to his more recent, emotionally layered roles, his work has shaped generations of Arab film lovers.
This week, Malmö honored him with a career award and a fully booked masterclass at the Royal Cinema, a fitting tribute to a figure who’s not just legendary, but beloved.
Karim El-Shenawy
Fresh off winning Best Director at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival earlier this month, El-Shenawy is in Malmö for the screening of The Tale of Daye’s Family.
With the movie making waves at Berlinale, Red Sea Film Festival, and Hollywood, El-Shenawy’s vision is gaining traction. And it’s clear he’s becoming one of the region’s most deliberate and distinctive directors.
Mariam Sherif
Mariam Sherif’s lead role in Snow White earned her Best Actress at the Red Sea International Film Festival, and now the film is closing out Malmö. She brings a quiet strength to the screen with her captivating performance, and this role is just the beginning.
Ahmed Fathy
Whether in a film or just walking into a room, Ahmed Fathy brings the energy. He’s at the Malmö Arab Film Festival as a guest this year. And his signature mix of wit and warmth is already making him a favorite on the ground.
Sabry Fawaz
Fawwaz doesn’t need flash to make an impact; his performances are always sharp, subtle, and memorable. As a guest at Malmö this year, his quiet presence adds exactly the kind of weight and depth the festival is known for.
Haitham Dabbour
Dabbour isn’t new to Malmö; his fiction debut, Photocopy, won Best Film here back in 2017. Now he’s back with The Tale of Daye’s Family, and his writing still carries the same emotional punch and social awareness that made his earlier work stand out.
Arab Cinema, Center Stage
With familiar faces returning and new voices stepping into the spotlight, the 15th Malmö Arab Film Festival is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder that Arab cinema continues to grow, evolve, and connect across borders.
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