DUBAI: The Toronto Arab Film Festival returns for its sixth annual edition with a diverse lineup from June 20 to 29.
“This year, we are screening over 50 films — both features and shorts — which is our largest number to date … it’s fulfilling to watch the development of the Canadian-Arab film industry in real time,” Rolla Tahir, a Sudanese filmmaker and co-founder of TAF, said.
This year’s program reflects the growing diversity and creative evolution of Arab cinema, with some well-known filmmakers participating.
“We’re seeing a notable rise in genre films, especially horror and sci-fi. For example, there’s a horror film from Tunisia and a short program dedicated entirely to sci-fi and horror,” Tahir said.
Participants this year include Lebanese filmmaker Mira Shabib with her film “Arze’” and “Back to Alexandria” by Tamer Ruggli starring Lebanese actress Nadine Labaki.
TAF has also become a valuable platform for professional development, offering networking opportunities for both emerging and established talent.
“This year, we’re introducing an informal industry meet-and-greet — a casual networking event with no structured pitches,” Tahir explained.
The event is designed to create a relaxed environment where Arab filmmakers can connect with industry professionals, ask candid questions, and introduce their projects without the pressure of formal presentations.
The festival’s mission may seem simple — to raise awareness of Arab cinema among Canadian audiences — but achieving that impact requires a deliberate strategy.
It is one that Tahir and her co-founders have refined over the years.
“Each year, we collaborate with other festivals to co-present films and expand outreach beyond Arab audiences,” she said.
For Tahir, the appeal of Arab cinema to non-Arab audiences comes naturally, thanks to the enduring quality and resilience of the work itself.
“What stands out is perseverance. Regardless of what’s happening in our countries or personal lives, Arab filmmakers continue telling their stories.”
It is that very perseverance — expressed through everything from harrowing documentaries to satirical comedies — that gives Arab filmmakers their distinct voice.
“I want people to know we’re still making films — and that we’re making different, bold, and innovative ones,” Tahir said.
