Over CMENA

CMENA is an initiative of the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival

CMENA, which stands for Cinema, Middle East, and North Africa, supports young creators from the MENA region and the diaspora. Based in the Netherlands and accessible throughout Europe, CMENA promotes freedom of expression and offers a wide range of perspectives from the MENA region, beyond conventional news and media narratives.

The platform specifically focuses on short films and documentaries, celebrating culture through human stories, love, and more. CMENA aims to provide an honest and nuanced portrayal of the MENA region.

CMENA supports filmmakers with donations; every 1,000 euros collected is awarded to the filmmaker with the most views and votes from participants on the platform. As the platform grows, the funding amounts will increase to offer more support to creators and promote freedom of expression in a region where this is not always guaranteed.

CMENA invites filmmakers and film enthusiasts to become founding members and contribute to an online freedom platform for sharing stories and cultural expressions from the MENA region. Membership is free, providing access to all content and films. Additionally, there is an opportunity to donate to support the filmmakers and the platform.

The website will go live on September 1st with the first film program. Join us at the start and be part of shaping a vibrant, supportive space for storytelling and cultural expression.

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