AFLAMUNA Connection Wraps Its 10th Edition
The 10th edition of AFLAMUNA Connection took place online between June 24 and 26, 2026, bringing together filmmakers, producers, and international experts in an intensive program. The activities were not limited to the three days; they were preceded by 45 mentorship sessions featuring over 24 experts, aimed at supporting filmmakers and helping them refine their projects to enhance their development and prospects for success.
This year, we selected 17 projects from Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, Somalia, Morocco, and Syria, including 12 feature films in development (8 documentaries, 3 fiction films, and 1 animated film), alongside 5 films in post-production (4 documentaries and 1 docu-fiction film). In various shapes and forms, these projects carry the spirit of a region in upheaval, as well as the quiet, resilient heartbeat of those who refuse to be silenced.
Seven of these projects will participate in the AFLAMUNA x Cinemed encounters at the Montpellier Mediterranean Film Festival, where they will be presented to French and European partners to expand opportunities for co-production, distribution, and global reach.
The edition concluded with six awards, further supporting filmmakers in advancing their projects:
CNC Award
€8,000 cash prize offered by the “Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée” (CNC) in France, awarded by the 10th edition jury to Accept My Plea For Burial, directed by Mohammed Sheikh, produced by Kadir Harbi.
ART Award
$5,000 cash prize awarded by the “Arab Radio and Television Network” (ART) to The Hearse to the Final House of Happiness, directed by Wissam Al Jafari and produced by Hanna Atallah.
Rotterdam Lab Award
An invitation for a project’s producer to participate in the Rotterdam Lab, including travel and accommodation, was awarded to What Didn’t Happen, Happened, directed by Elie Kamal and produced by Jana Wehbe.
Documentary Association of Europe (DAE) Award
Two complimentary 12-month memberships and a tailored consultation session with a DAE expert, awarded to +477 Nights, directed by Aisha Adly.
“Shared Shores” Award by Agora – Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival
An invitation for up to two representatives of the selected project to participate in Agora at the Thessaloniki Festival, including accommodation for up to 5 nights during the official run of the edition. Awarded to Confessions in Arabic, directed by Maria Ghafary, and produced by Hiba Louis and Muriel Aboulrouss.
“Shared Shores” Award by DocsBarcelona Pro
An invitation for a filmmaker to participate in DocsBarcelona Pro (Spain), including a 2-night accommodation stay. Awarded to Twelve Fig Leaves, directed by Joëlle Abou Chabké, and produced by Lara Abou Saïfan.
“Shared Shores” Award by MIA Market
An invitation for a filmmaker to participate in the MIA Market (Italy), including accommodation for up to 3 nights. Awarded to Karama, directed by Fatym Layachi, and produced by Younes Lazrak.