Arab cinema is reaching new heights.
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is placing a well-deserved spotlight on the MENA region, showcasing a compelling mix of films that explore resistance, identity, migration, and resilience. From Iranian documentaries to Tunisian dramas, these standout entries offer a rich and necessary perspective on stories too often left untold.
Aisha Can’t Fly Away, Egypt
Made by revered Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafaa, this film follows the story of Aisha, a young Sudanese immigrant in a working-class Cairo neighbourhood. In search of safety after trouble at her job, she is forced to join a local gang. The story highlights racial and social struggles in Egypt, especially for immigrant workers in the city – a story that desperately needs to be told.
Eagles of the Republic, Egypt/Sweden
Nominated for the esteemed ‘Palme d’Or’, this political thriller comes as the final instalment in director Tarik Saleh’s Cairo trilogy. The story follows George Fahmy (played by Fares Fares), an Egyptian actor who is forced to star in a dangerous, government-funded propaganda film. George’s story is one of fame, resistance, and control.
It Was Just An Accident, Iran/France/Luxembourg
Directed by Jafar Panahi, a critically acclaimed Iranian auteur, his latest film is filled with an air of mystery. Set to premiere at the festival, the story is yet to be released, but is sure to keep audiences hooked. Described so far as a suspense thriller, the obscure plot will see a series of escalating situations unfold to create the ominous story overall.
La Petite Dernière, France
Tunisian-French director and actor Hafsia Herzi’s latest film follows Fatima, a young woman who leaves her family home to study philosophy in Paris. It touches on themes such as identity, migration, liberation and what it means to move away from home and break societal and religious norms. With a female lead cast including Nadia Melliti and Park Min-ji, the story is based on a novel.
Life After Siham, Egypt/France
Based on his mother’s passing, this intensely raw and personal documentary by Namir Abdel Messeeh, is one of nostalgia and memories. Blending together fiction and non-fiction, Namir guides the audience through his process of overcoming grief, bringing intimate moments with his family to the screen to revive the loss of his mother.
Once Upon a Time in Gaza, Palestine
This mesmerising thriller, by Palestinian twin filmmakers Tarzan and Arab Nasser, follows the story of Yahya, a student, and his unlikely friendship with Osama, a bold but kind dealer. Set in Gaza, the film explores topics including survival during conflict and identity in an apartheid state, blending essential dark humour and political themes with real cinematic talent.
Promised Sky, Tunisia/France
Inspired by a real story, this drama tells the tale of Marie, a 40-year-old Ivorian pastor and former journalist in Tunis, who opens her home as a refuge for a young mother and student. The story addresses the very real problem of violence against sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia. Directed by Erige Sehiri, she aims to humanise migrant workers in Tunisia and change the narrative to bring empathy and truth to the topic at hand.
Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, Iran/France
This documentary platform features film and video messages between Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi and Gazan photojournalist Fatima Hassouna. Captured during a time of war and violence, the documentary is a raw and authentic portrayal of friendship and resilience told through two different, but emotionally linked perspectives.
The President’s Cake, Iraq/Qatar
A debut for Hasan Hadi, an Iraqi-born, New York-based, Tisch School of the Arts graduate. The film tells the story of nine-year-old Lamia, who faces “draw day” – a ritual in which students are chosen to participate to celebrate the then president, Saddam Hussein’s birthday. The story follows her defiance of the ritual, as she embarks on a mission of bravery and self-discovery. The film currently stands as the only MENA entry in the 2025 Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes.
The Cannes Film Festival 2025 will take place from 13 to 24 May 2025.
GO: Visit www.festival-cannes.com for more information.