From January 25-30, the MENA Film Festival returns to Vancouver, celebrating filmmakers and artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia (MENA/SWANA) communities in the local film circuit.

The festival amplifies the voices of creators—local and national, emerging and established—who identify as part of the greater Canadian MENA/SWANA community.

View the highlights below:

Opening Ceremony

ONE DAY THIS KID

The opening ceremony kicks off the event with an exciting lineup of performances and screenings, featuring a beautiful music performance by violinist Ava Shadmani and pianist Kiandokht Nouri.

Following the performance, the film ONE DAY THIS KID, directed and written by Vancouver-based filmmaker Alexander Farah, will be screened. The film follows the story of a young queer man coming of age under the shadow of his father.

After the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the filmmaker, offering a chance for deeper insights into the creative process and themes of the film.

Date: January 25, 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm PST
Secure your spot here.

Workshop: Industry Rendezvous – Film Funding

The annual MENA Film Financing Workshop is back, featuring representatives from top funding organizations, including Telefilm, the Canada Media Fund, Storyhive and Creative BC.

In this workshop, you are encouraged to bring your pitch directly to prospective funders and receive direct feedback to build a better application tailored to each funder’s programs and requirements. Also, you’ll have the chance to share your idea, ask specific questions, learn more about the available funding packages, and meet fellow filmmakers, all in an informal one-on-one setting.

The Industry Rendezvous is open to all, but preference will be given to MENA/SWANA, Indigenous, and other BIPOC filmmakers in case of limited resources.

Date: January 27, 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm PST
Purchase tickets here.

Workshop: Marketing and Distribution 

This workshop guides emerging and mid-career filmmakers, film producers and others through advanced marketing and distribution skills.

Ana Belén of Suimanga Films helps participants explore essential strategies for effectively promoting their films and reaching wider audiences. You will learn how to develop a personalized action plan for marketing and distributing your projects, explore various distribution channels, and gain insights into building a brand and creating buzz around your film.

Date: January 30, 2025
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm PST
Get tickets here.

Discover the full lineup of screenings and secure your festival pass today on the official website.