Arab Cinema Must Strengthen Co-production and Forge its Own Pathway say Experts

Panel discussion on building sustainable regional film ecosystem underlines the importance of closer collaboration

 Doha, Qatar; November 28, 2025: Arab film industry must build its own model, one that is rooted in cultural authenticity that speaks to regional audiences and is powered by co-productions, said experts at a panel discussion at Doha Film Festival 2025.

Highlighting the role of institutions such as Doha Film Institute, Film Committee at Media City Qatar and Katara Studios, the panelists stressed the importance of building a sustainable ecosystem in which talent has clear pathways to make films and the gap between audience expectations and regional narratives are bridged.

The panel featured: Abedalsalam Al-Haj (Royal Film Commission – Jordan), Adel Ksiksi (Al Jazeera Documentary), Dora Bouchoucha (Sud Écriture), Jad Abi Khalil (Aflamuna/Beirut DC), Lamia Chraibi (Tamayouz Cinema Foundation), Mohammed Alghadhban (Baghdad Film Institute), and Ryan Ashore (Red Sea Film Foundation).

“It’s time to retire the borrowed standard and set a new Arab model,” said Mohammed Alghadhban. “We must focus on our own funding for narratives that are made for our audiences first. When we establish a healthy relationship between filmmakers and viewers, the region can grow on its terms and engage internationally.”

Dora Bouchoucha said that while new platforms have changed the game, “talent still makes the difference with passion, hard work and commitment. We must ensure that partnerships must move from talk to implementation so good films actually reach audiences.”

The game changer is partnerships and creating a robust infrastructure, said Adel Ksiksi. “We need consolidation and infrastructure that remove barriers before filmmakers even begin. With more partners and smarter co-production models, we can bring the most compelling stories to Arab audiences and beyond.”

“We have developed a programme of labs and workshops that address regional needs.” added Ryan Ashore. “This enables filmmakers to develop beyond the basics and approach co-productions as more than a shortcut.”

Highlighting the fact that a majority of the population in the region have not watched a film in the cinemas, Abedalsalam Al-Haj said, “Film education in the region lacks formal structure, so we

are investing in capacity-building and also extending the reach of cinema to rural communities. To make co-productions normal, we must convince decision-makers that film is beneficial to society.”

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