Loading ...AFMI Women Leading Change-Cannes 2025
By: Rena Elhessen / Arab America Contributing Writer
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 has passed, bringing representation and stories to the big screen. In a first for the festival, a Western film institute representing the Arab world hosted an all-female panel. The Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI) hosted the panel meant to spotlight acclaimed directors and trailblazers. During Cannes 2025, these women partook in a conversation discussing the obstacles they have faced and overcome in the film industry. This engaging and inspiring conversation explored navigating identity, highlighting the importance of representation in storytelling. This event was sponsored by the Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI), the M Film Lab, the Islamic Scholarship Fund, and the community.
The All-Female Panel at Cannes 2025
Nia DaCosta
Nia DaCosta has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after filmmakers, known for her work across stage, film, and television. She made history in 2023 as the first Black woman and youngest director to helm a Marvel Studios film. She directed The Marvels, starring Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson. In continuing her work, DaCosta directed and co-wrote Candyman (2021), which opened at #1 at the box office. Her debut feature, Little Woods, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and received praise for its strong performances and storytelling. Currently, she is completing post-production on 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and preparing the release of HEDDA, a reimagining of Hedda Gabler. She was among these influential women at the Cannes 2025 panel.
Cherien Dabis
Cherien Dabis is a Palestinian American filmmaker and actress. Her acclaimed films Amreeka and May in the Summer premiered at top festivals like Sundance and Cannes. Her latest feature, All That’s Left of You, received critical praise at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. In 2022, she became the first Palestinian Emmy nominee for her work on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. Additionally, Dabis has received numerous awards, including the FIPRESCI Prize and Humanitas Award. Her acting credits include Mo (Netflix), Fallout (Prime Video), and Eagles of the Republic.
Iman Zawahry
Iman Zawahry is one of the first hijabi American-Muslim filmmakers in the U.S. Her work aims to amplify underrepresented female voices in film. Her debut feature, Americanish, won 26 awards and is distributed globally by Sony International Pictures. She has received numerous honors, including an Emmy, the Princess Grace Award, and multiple Sundance fellowships. She is also a Warner Bros. Directing Program alum. Zawahry co-created the first American Muslim film grant. The grant was established in collaboration with the Islamic Scholarship Fund, where she currently serves as Director of Film Programs.
Hanna Flint
Hanna Flint is a British-Tunisian film critic, writer, and author based in London. Her works have been published in Empire, The Guardian, Elle, and The New Arab. She is also a regular voice on BBC’s Front Row, The Arts Hour, and CBC. Her debut book, Strong Female Character: What Movies Teach Us, explores the intersection of cinema and identity through a personal lens. Originally released in 2022 and re-released in 2024, the memoir received critical acclaim.
What is the Arab Film and Media Institute?
The Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI) was established in 1996 and continues to expand. Aimed at showcasing Arab talent and media in the United States, this non-profit organization is the first of its kind outside the Arab World.
Humble Beginnings
The Arab Film and Media Institute was established in 2017. Its foundation began in 1996, with the first Arab Film Festival taking place in San Francisco, California. This festival is the largest independent annual showcase of Arab films and filmmakers in the country. The Arab Film Festival aims to enhance public understanding of Arab culture and contradict stereotypical images of the Arab world from Western media. Over the years, the festival has gained an international standing and is now one of the most important Arab film festivals outside of the Arab World.
Programs Launched for Arab Americans
Education Program
In 2013, this program launched its education initiative. The AFMI Education initiative hopes to further education at the primary and secondary levels. This includes reaching out to communities throughout the United States and hosting year-round screenings of Arab films at middle and high schools. This also includes bringing the Arab Film Festivals to schools, and focused exhibitions at colleges and universities.
Queer Lens Program
Launched in 2017 with its first screening at the LGBT Center in San Francisco, Arab Love is a recurring program by the Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI) dedicated to highlighting stories from the LGBTQ Arab community. Executive Director Serge Bakalian emphasizes the power of film to challenge discrimination and build empathy, noting that LGBTQI Arabs are a vital part of the broader Arab community. Through this program, AFMI aims to foster inclusion by showcasing films that reflect the diverse experiences of LGBTQ Arabs.
Arab Film Series
The Arab American National Museum (AANM), Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI), and ArteEast proudly present the Arab Film Series. This monthly online program showcases contemporary and classic films. Discussions with Arab, Arab American, and diasporic filmmakers conclude each showing.
Women in the Arts
Arab Women in the Arts is an annual showcase celebrating Arab women who have transformed and advanced various forms of artistic expression. This year’s event explored themes of identity, home, and self-reliance through lenses such as food, soil, and sustenance. It featured a diverse range of work from both emerging and established artists in film, poetry, and visual arts. Participants represented the Arab world, the broader SWANA region, and the global diaspora.
Palestinian Voices
The Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI) hopes to reshape narratives and foster understanding through art and storytelling. Through its ongoing program, Palestinian Voices, AFMI highlights the rich history, culture, and resilience of the Palestinian people. Each event or multi-day program offers insight into life under occupation while celebrating themes like family, creativity, and the beauty of the land. The initiative aims to uplift Palestinian stories and share their humanity with broader audiences.
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