10th MAFF Kicks off Despite Coronavirus

The 10th edition of Malmö Arab Film Festival (MAFF) kicked off Thursday in Sweden despite the Coronavirus.

MAFF, running from October 8-13, took utmost caution to ensure the safety of the participants, whether the guests or the public.

The 10th edition features 45 films, including 19 feature films and 26 short films. MAFF will also showcase ten films by Egyptian directors or involving Egyptian producers.

The films will be screened in schools and libraries across Skåne county to guarantee as many people as possible will enjoy the selection.

The festival will also broadcast all the events, markets, and forums on social media to reach more audience.

Also, the festival organized the performances with a maximum of 50 people in the cinema.

The festival will grant, for the sixth year in a row, support to film projects in the development phase through the initiative MAFF Development Fund. The program aims to build bridges between the Arab world and the Nordic countries, as well as to support Arab film projects with prizes worth more than 100,000 USD.

MAFF opening featured the screening of the film "Adam" by Moroccan director Maryam Touzani, who also penned the script.

"Adam" is co-produced by Moroccan, French, Belgian, Qatari, as well as by well-known Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch.

The festival, founded in 2011, focuses on Arab cinema, showcasing films by Arab directors, or revolving around Arab issues.