The flagship event of the Arab Film and Media Institute, the Arab Film Festival is the longest running independent festival of its kind in North America. Launched in 1996, the festival's mission is to present the best of contemporary films that illuminate the richness of Arab culture through authentic narratives and images, providing insight into the beauty and complexity of the Arab world.
The festival also offers special programming to local audiences, and unprecedented access to the diversity and range of authentic Arab experiences. The festival has gained an international reputation for excellence and offers its audiences access to media that reflects the lives of under-represented and provocative themes and groups on a cultural and societal level.
The 28th edition runs October 24-November 3, 2024, in-person throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, with a virtual track open nationally.
The Package! Access to ALL the Films, including Opening Night, plus Parties, Filmmaker Mixers & Workshops
In-person and virtual
Admission to ALL the Films, including Opening Night.
In-person and virtual
For virtual screenings only, majority of the films will be available throughout North America.
Virtual only
Tickets to individual screenings and events.
In-person and virtual
The Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI) is the first organization of its kind outside the Arab world, a unique ecosystem to find, nurture and develop Arab film and media projects. It was rebranded from the Arab Film Festival in 2017 to fulfill its broader mandate to empower local Arab talent to tell their communities’ stories in their own voices. Through film, education, mentorship, and new media, AFMI’s mission is to enhance public understanding of Arab culture and provide insight into the beauty, complexity and diversity intrinsic to the Arab world.
