From Gaza’s Ruins to Iraqi Marshlands: 10 Arab Films Set to Steal the Spotlight at Berlinale 2025
By Malak Khaled
The 75th Berlin International Film Festival, set to take place from February 13-23, is one of the major global cinema events in 2025. It will showcase a remarkable selection of Arab films. From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating feature films, ten Arab filmmakers are making their mark on the global stage.
Yunan – Syria/Germany
This feature film is directed by Ameer Fakher Eldin and follows the journey of an Arab author who seeks solace on a remote North Sea island. While he has given up on life, a chance encounter there might just turn everything around.
With a star-studded cast of Hanna Schygulla, Georges Khabbaz, Sibel Kekilli from Game of Thrones, and Bassem Yakhour, Yunan is competing for the Golden Bear. The drama explores themes of exile and despair and will leave you with a lot to contemplate.
Yalla Parkour – Palestine
Directed by Areeb Zuaiter, this powerful documentary chronicles the resilience of Gaza’s parkour community over a decade. The story intertwines nostalgia and ambition as Areeb encounters Ahmad, a daring parkour athlete.
Yalla Parkour heartbreakingly captures the youth’s hope as it clashes with the backdrop of Gaza’s ruins. Starring real-life parkour athletes, Yalla Parkour previously screened at the Red Sea Film Festival and is featured in Berlinale’s Panorama Dokumente category.
Khartoum – Sudan/United Kingdom
This compelling documentary is directed by Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad, Timeea Mohamed Ahmed, and Philip Cox. Khartoum blends real-life footage and reenactments to depict the harrowing escape of five very different individuals from Sudan’s war-torn capital.
The film premiered at Sundance before its Panorama screening at Berlinale.
El Mosta’mara – Egypt
This debut feature is directed by Mohamed Rashad. El Mosta’mara tells the story of two brothers whose father faced a fatal accident at work.
The petty compensation is a chance to work at the same factory, employed under the man responsible for their father’s death. The movie will compete in the Berlinale’s Perspectives category, which highlights first-time directors.
Citizen-Inmate – Iran
Directed by Hesam Eslami, this gripping short documentary addresses the pervasive surveillance in Iranian society. Citizen-Inmate explores a reality where surveillance mirrors that of 1984 until one day, the roles are reversed, and those doing the surveillance get a taste of their own medicine.
Akher Youm – Egypt
This poignant documentary is directed by Mahmoud Ibrahim and juxtaposes the demolition of an Egyptian family’s childhood home with the destruction of Palestinian homes. The Last Day will be screening in the Forum Expanded category at the Berlin International Film Festival.
1001 Frames – Iran/USA
Directed by Mehrnoush Alia, this feature remake of her short film “Scheherazade” delves into the lives of actresses auditioning for the role of Scheherazade.
With unparalleled storytelling, 1001 Frames showcases that the reality of Scheherazade and the women of her time is still mirrored in our modern day. The movie is set to premiere in the Panorama category.
Beneath Which Rivers Flow – Iraq
Beneath Which Rivers Flow is director Ali Yahya’s first film. It is set in Iraq’s marshlands and its name is inspired by a verse from the Quran. It follows a young man and his buffalo as they face an ecological disaster. This short film debuts in the Generation 14 plus category and tackles themes of alienation and survival.
The Tale of Daye’s Family – Egypt
Directed by Karim El Shenawy, The Tale of Daye’s Family is a heartwarming feature that tells the story of a Nubian boy with a golden voice who dreams of becoming a singer like his idol, Mohamed Mounir.
Daye and and his family take a trip to Cairo so he can audition for “The Voice”, only the journey turns out to be much more than they originally expected. The movie was also featured in the Red Sea Film Festival, and it was the hype of the year.
The Heart is a Muscle – Saudi Arabia/South Africa
This feature film is directed by Imran Hamdulay and begins with a father’s violent reaction to losing his son at a barbecue for a brief moment.
Following the incident, a chain of events unravels, and secrets long buried under the rug come to light. The Heart is a Muscle takes you on a journey of self-discovery that explores human vulnerability and resilience.
The presence of Arab cinema at Berlinale 2025 highlights the region’s diverse storytelling and artistic talent. From deeply personal narratives to globally relevant themes, these films showcase the richness of Arab culture and the resilience of its filmmakers.
Keep an eye on these titles as they continue to make waves in the global sphere.
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