Roundtable Discussion: Is the Distribution of Heritage Films from Arab Countries a Political Act?
Aflam Festival 2026
A discussion on the distribution and preservation of Arab cinema.
This roundtable brings together three key figures in the circulation and preservation of Arab cinema. Renée Awit, a programmer at Aflamuna—a streaming platform dedicated to Arab cinema—works to make films accessible that are often marginalized by traditional distribution channels.
Mohanad Yaqubi, known for his work on the archives of transnational solidarity movements and activist filmmaking practices, will present the Palestine Film Platform, a project of the Palestine Film Institute—which he co-founded to develop, promote, and preserve Palestinian film culture. Nada Bakr, executive director of the Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS), brings together fourteen members across seven countries in the Arab world, adopting an approach that is deeply attuned to the needs of its local networks.
Each, in their own way, devises strategies for curating, restoring, and sharing these images—rescued from oblivion—so that they may continue to give voice to those whom history has sought to silence.
A discussion on the distribution and preservation of Arab cinema.
This roundtable brings together three key figures in the circulation and preservation of Arab cinema. Renée Awit, a programmer at Aflamuna—a streaming platform dedicated to Arab cinema—works to make films accessible that are often marginalized by traditional distribution channels.
Mohanad Yaqubi, known for his work on the archives of transnational solidarity movements and activist filmmaking practices, will present the Palestine Film Platform, a project of the Palestine Film Institute—which he co-founded to develop, promote, and preserve Palestinian film culture. Nada Bakr, executive director of the Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS), brings together fourteen members across seven countries in the Arab world, adopting an approach that is deeply attuned to the needs of its local networks.
Each, in their own way, devises strategies for curating, restoring, and sharing these images—rescued from oblivion—so that they may continue to give voice to those whom history has sought to silence.
An event organized as part of the Mediterranean 2026 season
