The SAFAR Film Festival is the UK’s leading platform for independent Arab cinema. SAFAR is run by the Arab British Centre, a London-based charity that works to further understanding of the Arab world in the UK.

In 2025 SAFAR is back from 11-28 June with screenings in London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Clevedon, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Oxford and Plymouth. 

Tickets are on sale Monday 12 May but you can explore what’s on now.

Stay up to date with the festival and Arab cinema news by following us on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter.

While you wait for the festival, check out our open calls and pre-festival events:

Open Call: SAFAR Futures Arab Film Development Workshop (Deadline to apply 12 May)

Ambulance (Mohamed Jabaly, 2014) w/ Q&A with Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah at Genesis Cinema | 11 May, 12pm – Fundraiser screening with Critical Collective in aid of the Health Workers for Palestine Solidarity Fund.

Slidefest x SAFAR at Peckham24: an evening of powerful visual storytelling spotlighting the spirit of resistance across five countries: Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen | 17 May, 6:30pm