The 16th edition of the Malmö Arab Film Festival in April faces challenges, as the war between the US, Israel, and Iran may affect the participation of international guests from the Middle East due to flight stoppages. The festival's founder, Mouhamad Keblawi, says it is clear the war is affecting the festival, and it is not yet known if guests from countries such as Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Bahrain will be able to attend. This year's festival will have 40 competing films in various categories, including feature films, short films, and documentaries.
If the war continues, the festival plans to address the issue for guests who cannot come to Sweden by taking it online via live broadcasts with those guests. The festival takes place in Malmö from April 10 to 16, 2026.
it is clear the war is affecting the festival, and it is not yet known if guests from countries such as Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Bahrain will be able to attend