Arab cinema

2019 has been a golden year for Arab cinema. A record number of films from Arab countries were premiered in major international film festivals, such as Berlin, Cannes, Venice, and Toronto, and collected an unprecedented number of accolades.

The cinema industry (if one can use this word) of Saudi Arabia is minuscule. It only produces a couple of feature motion pictures and a few documentaries each year.

While the region around it has descended in political chaos and religious strife, Dubai continues to flourish and prosper. Its international film festival (DIFF), which was launched 12 years ago, in order to enhance understanding and form a cultural bridge between East and West following the September 11 attacks, has become a thriving hub for Arab and international cinema.