Arab films featured at São Paulo Film Festival
Films produced or co-produced by 11 Arab countries will be screened from October 15 to 29, including titles that could compete for the 2027 Oscars. The post Arab films featured at São Paulo Film Festival appeared first on ANBA News Agency .
The 50th São Paulo International Film Festival kicked off on Thursday, 15th, featuring a diverse lineup of 380 films from 93 countries, including 20 productions or co-productions from 11 Arab nations. Spanning from October 15th to October 29th, the festival showcases a variety of films from the Arab world, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
These Arab films are showcased in several sections, such as the Brazil Showcase, International Perspective, New Directors Competition, and Special Presentation. Among these, one notable short film is "Whispers of a Burning Scent" (2026), a co-production between Somalia, Austria, and Germany. Directed by Somali-Austrian filmmaker Mo Harawe, the film follows a musician faced with two critical events that lead to an irreversible decision.
Another significant feature is the Brazilian-Lebanese co-production "Furies" (2026), directed by Rami Kodeih, which tells the story of a young mother using her savings to help her sister’s surgery, only to find her plans derailed by a financial crisis. Additionally, "Chronicles from the Siege" (2026), directed by Abdallah Alkhatib, offers a glimpse into the Palestinian experience of living under siege, based on the director’s personal experiences.
The festival also provides a platform for films that might compete for the 2027 Oscars, such as the Algerian film "Roqia" (2025), directed by Yanis Koussim. This film uses psychological horror to metaphorically represent reality, as a man struggles to recognize his family and friends after losing his memory in a car accident. The screenings will take place in 57 movie theaters, cultural venues, and Unified Educational Centers (CEUs) across São Paulo.
The festival will also host discussions and talks with industry professionals, including Oscar-winning director Walter Salles, whose film "I’m Still Here" won the Best International Feature Film award in 2025. The complete program is accessible on the festival's official website.
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