ACC Panels Illuminate MENA Cinema Growth at Berlinale
ACC Panels Illuminate MENA Cinema Growth at Berlinale. During the 74th Berlin International Film Festival’s European Film Market, the Arab Cinema Center (ACC) hosted two insightful panels. These panels focused on MENA box-office trends and the growth of the Saudi film industry. Attracting a diverse audience of international and Arab filmmakers.
The first panel, titled ‘Box-Office Bonanza,’ explored the MENA region’s box-office revenues, which approached an impressive $1 billion milestone. Notable industry figures such as Wayne Borg from NEOM. Gianluca Chakra from Front Row Entertainment, Mario Haddad Jr. from Empire International, and Alaa Karkouti from MAD Solutions participated in the discussion. Moderated by Melanie Goodfellow from Deadline.
The second panel, International Tipping Point for Saudi Filmmaking, examined the progress of the Saudi film industry over the past 12 years. Speakers included Mohannad Al-Bakri from the Jordanian Royal Film Commission. Producers Doroth Beinemeier and Mariam Sassine, and Imad Iskandar from the Red Sea Film Fund. Michael Rosser from Screen International moderated the session.
In addition to hosting panels, ACC’s activities at the Berlinale included releasing a new edition of AC Magazine and honoring Mohannad Al-Bakri as its Arab Personality of 2023. The organization also announced the latest critics to join the jury of its Arab Critics’ Awards.
Established by MAD Solutions a decade ago, ACC operates as a non-profit organization in Berlin. It facilitates networking opportunities between industry representatives involved in co-production and international distribution. ACC’s activities encompass film markets, stands, networking sessions, and one-on-one meetings, aimed at fostering connections between Arab and foreign filmmakers. The organization also publishes the Arab Cinema Magazine, distributed at major international film festivals and markets.
ACC’s website offers a newsletter subscription, providing digital copies of the Arab Cinema Magazine and updates on the organization’s activities. Grant application dates, festival notifications, and educational offers. Additionally, the launch of the Arab Cinema Directory in English enhances accessibility to comprehensive information on Arab cinema productions and filmmakers, promoting international collaboration and exchange.
