About Masahat AFLAMUNA

Masahat AFLAMUNA is a pan-Arab network of non-commercial community cinema spaces, an independent, inclusive, and decentralized model for film distribution that reclaims Arab cinema for Arab audiences. The project aims to activate spaces of all kinds across the Arab region, transforming them into vibrant, inclusive, and accessible community cinemas. Through training, funding, and mapping of screening spaces across the region, the initiative empowers cultural organizers to bring independent cinema back to their communities. The project also provides independent filmmakers with an infrastructure to self-distribute their work and reach new audiences.

Masahat AFLAMUNA aims to activate spaces of all kinds across the Arab region, transforming them into vibrant, inclusive, and accessible community cinemas. Through training, funding, and mapping of screening spaces across the region, the initiative empowers cultural organizers to bring independent cinema and culture back to their communities. The project also provides independent filmmakers with an infrastructure to self-distribute their films and reach new audiences as easily as possible. Simply put, we seek to encourage and support film clubs across the Arab region to become more organized and equipped, and to connect them with independent Arab filmmakers.

What Does Masahat AFLAMUNA Offer Participants?

• A training program for up to 20 individuals, groups, or spaces, covering: film curation, thematic programming, promotion, community engagement, and technical and operational aspects.
• A library of independent Arab films, with rights cleared for free screenings within participants’ communities.

What Is Required from Participants?

• Attendance at all training sessions, held online in November 2026.
• Access to the necessary equipment and internet connection. The AFLAMUNA team will provide technical support to those who need it.
• Organization of at least six screenings from the Masahat AFLAMUNA library between October 2026 and June 2027.
• For individual participants: a written agreement with at least one space willing to host the screenings.
• Commitment to AFLAMUNA’s non-discrimination policy and active contribution to making the program a safe space for all.

Who Is Eligible for This Program?

• Individuals, groups, and spaces from all backgrounds and fields who are interested in bringing independent Arab films to their communities.
• Individuals and collectives who do not represent a specific space, provided they have a written agreement with a screening space willing to host their screenings.
• Spaces and collectives must appoint one representative to attend the training and serve as the main point of contact.
• Participants must reside in the same city as their screening space.
• Participants must be Arabic speakers.
• Participation is open to those aged 18 and above.

Selection Criteria for Individual Participants:

• Engagement with the local community
• Relevance of professional background to the project
• Diversity of geographical locations, with priority given to underserved areas
• Diversity of professional backgrounds
• Gender parity

Selection Criteria for spaces and collectives

• Engagement with the local community
• Priority given to non-profit initiatives
• Feasibility of the planned community cinema programming
• Alignment of the space or collective’s general strategy with community-driven activities
• Diversity of geographical locations