On Friday evening, the fourth edition of the Palestinian Film Festival in Sweden kicked off in the city of Malmö, attended by a number of directors, artists, and individuals interested in Palestinian and Arab cinema and culture.

The opening ceremony began with the reception of guests at the Panora Cinema. Festival president Yahya Abu Watfa delivered a welcoming address to the attendees and participants, emphasizing the importance of the festival’s continued role in showcasing Palestinian cinema and strengthening its presence in Sweden.


The ceremony included tributes to several prominent figures in Arab cinema and the arts: Syrian director Haitham Hakki, Egyptian director Khaled Youssef, Iraqi director Jabbar Judi, and actor Abdul Hakim Qutaifan, in recognition of their artistic careers and contributions to Arab culture and cinema.

The opening film was *Thank You for Dreaming with Us* (*Shukran Li-annaka Tahlam Ma’ana*), directed by Palestinian filmmaker Laila Abbas. The film is a social drama centered on women’s lives in Palestine, exploring issues related to women, family dynamics, and social relations through a narrative that reflects facets of the Palestinian reality.

The screening marked the beginning of the festival’s film program, which continues to present a selection of Palestinian works, offering the audience an opportunity to engage with diverse cinematic experiences.
The fourth edition of the festival will run until November 1st, featuring film screenings and discussions that bring together filmmakers and the public in the city of Malmö.
The Fourth Edition of the Palestinian Film Festival in Sweden Begins, Honoring Key Figures in Arab Cinema
© 2026, DetectivPress. Toate drepturile rezervate.