About the Festival
A platform for Arab voices, stories, and cinematic excellence
Our Mission
We connect Australian audiences with the vibrant world of Arab cinema through carefully curated film programs, industry events, and cultural exchanges. Our mission is to provide a platform that elevates Arab voices, supports emerging filmmakers, and builds bridges between cultures through the universal language of cinema.
Our Vision
To be Australia's premier showcase of Arab cinema, fostering cross-cultural understanding and celebrating the artistic achievements of Arab filmmakers. We envision a future where Arab stories are recognized, appreciated, and celebrated as essential contributions to world cinema.
Our Goals
What We Strive For
Cultural Bridge
Create meaningful connections between Arab and Australian cultures through the power of storytelling and shared cinematic experiences.
Filmmaker Support
Provide emerging and established Arab filmmakers with platforms, resources, and opportunities to showcase their work and advance their careers.
Audience Engagement
Engage diverse audiences across Australia, introducing them to the richness and diversity of Arab cinema and cultural narratives.
Industry Development
Foster professional development through workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities that strengthen the global film industry.
Recognition & Excellence
Recognize and celebrate excellence in Arab cinema through awards, showcases, and critical appreciation of outstanding filmmaking.
Long-term Impact
Build a sustainable, long-term platform that continues to grow and evolve, leaving a lasting legacy for Arab cinema in Australia.
Our Objectives
How We Achieve Our Goals
Curate Exceptional Programs
- •Select and showcase 50+ films annually from across the Arab world
- •Present diverse genres including features, documentaries, shorts, and animations
- •Ensure representation from all 22 Arab countries
Foster Industry Connections
- •Organize networking events connecting filmmakers with industry professionals
- •Facilitate co-production and collaboration opportunities
- •Create mentorship programs pairing emerging talent with established filmmakers
Provide Educational Opportunities
- •Conduct masterclasses and workshops on filmmaking techniques and industry practices
- •Offer training programs in scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, and post-production
- •Host panel discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and industry experts
Build Community Engagement
- •Engage with Arab diaspora communities across Australia
- •Partner with cultural organizations, universities, and community centers
- •Create accessible programming that welcomes audiences of all backgrounds
Our Purpose
Why Arab Cinema in Australia
Arab cinema represents a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and perspectives from across 22 countries. In Australia, home to a vibrant Arab diaspora, these films provide both a connection to heritage and an opportunity for broader audiences to discover new perspectives.
By showcasing Arab cinema, we celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and highlight the creativity and resilience of Arab storytellers who continue to push boundaries in one of the world's most dynamic film traditions.
Leadership & Expertise
Fahad Al Maimani is an Omani academic, filmmaker, and cultural leader dedicated to advancing film education and independent cinema in Oman. He serves as a Lecturer in Filmmaking at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), where he contributes to the academic and practical development of emerging filmmakers.
He is a Board Member of the Oman Film Society and Head of the Local and International Cooperation Committee, working to strengthen international partnerships and promote Omani cinema globally. Fahad is also the Founder of the AKS Film Platform, an online initiative supporting independent filmmakers, and the Founder and Director of the AKS University Film Festival. He is currently preparing to organise the AKS International Film Festival, further expanding opportunities for filmmakers and cross-cultural collaboration.
His creative work has received recognition at several national and international festivals, with awards including Best Film, Best Documentary, and Best Cinematography. In addition to filmmaking, he contributes to the international film community as a festival jury member, including serving as Head of Jury at the Tangier Film Festival.
Fahad holds a Bachelor of Arts in Photography from the Creative Industries College at UTAS and a Master’s degree in Media from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom. More about his work and projects can be found at www.aksoman.om.
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Ajmi is an Omani filmmaker, cinematographer, and cultural leader committed to developing the film industry in the Sultanate of Oman and across the Arab region. He currently serves as Chairman of the Oman Film Society and CEO of Silver Lens Production, where he supports emerging filmmakers and promotes Omani cinema internationally.
Al-Ajmi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Radio and Television from Bayan College (affiliated with Purdue University, USA) and a Diploma in Photography from the Higher College of Technology. His creative work includes directing narrative and documentary films that explore Omani culture, heritage, and contemporary stories, with his films receiving recognition at several regional and international festivals.
Beyond filmmaking, he is actively involved in film festival development and cultural initiatives. He is currently organising the Al Batinah International Film Festival and has served on international film festival juries. He also contributes to the industry through his role on the Script Approval Committee at the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture in Oman and as a member of the General Union of Arab Artists (2025–2029).
Through his work as a filmmaker and industry leader, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Ajmi continues to champion cinema as a platform for cultural dialogue and creative development in Oman and the wider region.
Join us in celebrating the power of Arab storytelling