[2] Though burgeoning filmmakers from majority Arabic-speaking countries still struggle with constrained funding and a lack of established distribution channels, artists are beginning to produce more and more commercially viable films.
In addition, festivals work to support filmmakers from the Arab world and elsewhere by providing a platform for them to screen and promote their cinematic achievements to broad audiences.
From its earliest edition, Entre Cineastas, to the Caravan of Arab and Latin American Women's Films, CIWFF has developed and expanded over the years.
The festival aims at introducing films made by female filmmakers from around the world and serving as a meeting point for them and the audience.
"[15] In 2009, the Karama Human Rights Film Festival was conceived and organized by Ma3mal 612 (Think Factory), a collective of avant-garde artists and filmmakers.
It began in Kuwait in 2009, and from 2010 added Dubai-based screenings to its programming, and plans to add more Gulf cities to its venue locations in the future.
[20] Recent years have seen smaller and more intimate editions of the festival due to the uncertain political climate in the country.
[23] Maskoon Fantastic Film Festival, the only event in the region that celebreaates genre cinema, launched in 2015 in Beirut.
In addition to a grand prize, awards are also given out for best actor, best actress, best short film and jury favorite.
In addition to film premieres and screenings, seminars, workshops and awards shows round out the event.
[30] The now defunct Abu Dhabi Film Festival was created in 2007 and presented works by Arab filmmakers in competition alongside those by major talents of world cinema.
It was presented each October, the festival curated "exceptional programs to engage and educate the local community, inspire filmmakers and nurture the growth of the regional film industry.
[32] The Dubai International Film Festival, was held each December since 2004, showcases new and exciting cinema from the Arab world, and other countries in Asia, Africa and beyond.
Amal Festival seeks to promote the development of co-productions between Galicia and Spain and Arab countries, building cross-cultural bridges.
The London Middle East & North Africa Film Festival, created in 2011, provides an annual platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and reach audiences who might not otherwise get the opportunity to view cinema from the region, stimulating cross-cultural dialogue, connection and understanding.
It combines screenings, artists' talks, and panel discussions, with art exhibitions, conferences, and book launches.
[45] In addition, a number of Arab film festivals abroad focus specifically on the issue of Palestine.
The festival's venues are public theatres Cine.Ar and el cultural San Martín and the Alliance Francaise.
The 2012 Dubai International Film Festival showcased Hinde Boujemaa's It was Better Tomorrow, in which a homeless woman and her son live hand to mouth, squatting in apartments left empty by fleeing multinationals.