After 24 years of work supporting filmmakers and workers in the film industry in the Arabic region, Beirut DC reveals its new name, Aflamuna – Our Films – as it renews its commitment to supporting Arab filmmakers by helping them develop their abilities to improve their working conditions. The organization is committed to reaching wide audiences in all regions as it firmly believes in their right to access films and other cultural Arabic production.
Established in 1999 as a cinematic corporation, Beirut DC turned in 2006 into an organization bearing the same name, set up to launch a wide array of programs and projects aimed at supporting independent Arab cinema. With its rebranding after over two decades, Aflamuna remains steadfast in holding this legacy while pursuing its goals and fulfilling its mission. It strives to develop the capabilities of filmmakers across the Arab region while catering to their needs as well as the needs of the audience through the production of resources and information, as well as the organization of events that create opportunities for marginalized and silenced narratives to reach their audiences and impact their communities. Additionally, Aflamuna innovates platforms that establish partnerships between filmmakers, civil society and the audience. These partnerships are capable of driving change, as they aim to expand the audience’s viewing experience by creating innovative and unconventional spaces for film screenings at the local, regional and global levels.
Since its early establishment, AFLAMUNA has believed in the transformative power of film and its ability to contribute to social change. Central to its mission is the commitment to ensuring the Arab audience’s unrestricted access to cinematic productions. This vision is translated into action through its diverse programs, which include:
Impact Narratives Shift Program, which aims to support marginalized narratives and impact production and distribution activities. The program contributes to making independent Arab cinema a sustainable and widely accessible medium capable of reaching a broad audience.
Independent Filmmakers Support Program, which works on conducting documented research on issues such as wages, freedom of expression, safety and security. It aims to innovate solutions to such problems through interactive spaces and meetings, providing targeted support funds and producing open resources to support filmmakers in telling their stories away from any censorship and political barriers in the Arab region.
Audience: Access and Accessibility Program, which develops work modules, approaches, activities and initiatives in order to promote independent Arab cinema across the Arab region. This includes platforms such as Aflamuna.Online and the project Masahat Aflamuna, in addition to organizing and supporting film festivals that address issues relevant to Arab communities.
In addition, Aflamuna works to roll out its programs across the Arab region through a variety of projects and directions. As a new chapter unfolds in its journey, Aflamuna is organizing the first edition of the Aflamuna Convention from June 8 to June 10 in Beirut. The event is poised to feature a series of meetings and discussions about the status of independent Arab cinema and the impact of storytelling on society. The objective is to create collaborative networks among various stakeholders participating in the forum, including filmmakers, partnering institutions and civil society actors.