894 Films from 55 Countries Enter Bahrain's International Film Festival as Sixth Edition Opens

The six-day festival runs until November 10, honouring Yousra, Ghassan Massoud and Nader Al Maskati. Bahraini film Extra Time opens the screenings, alongside a programme of workshops and discussions with filmmakers.

Bahrain welcomes the sixth edition of the Bahrain International Film Festival yesterday, Thursday, November 5, 2026, marking a new chapter as its official competition expands to an international level.

The festival has received 894 film submissions from 55 countries, transforming Manama into a meeting place for filmmakers and a platform for cinematic exchange across different cultures over six days.

Organised by the Bahrain Cinema Club in partnership with the Ministry of Information, the festival continues until November 10, featuring film screenings, discussions with artists and specialised workshops covering different aspects of filmmaking.

Opening the official competition to international submissions represents one of the most significant developments in the festival's sixth edition, following previous editions that focused more closely on local and regional cinema. The submissions span five categories: Bahraini films, international short fiction films, documentaries, animation films and student films.

Ammar Zainal, the festival's Artistic Director, explained that the expansion aims to strengthen cinematic exchange and provide Bahraini filmmakers with greater opportunities to engage with international creative experiences.

The figure of 894 represents the total number of submitted films, not the number selected for screening.

The red-carpet ceremony begins at 5:00 PM in the outdoor area of The Avenues Bahrain, followed by the opening ceremony and tributes to three influential figures in Arab and Bahraini cinema.

Egyptian actress Yousra will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Arab Cinema, recognising her distinguished career spanning several decades.

Syrian actor Ghassan Massoud will be honoured for his artistic contributions and international cinematic achievements.

The festival will also present its Pioneer Award to Bahraini cinema pioneer Nader Al Maskati, recognising his role in establishing the Bahrain Cinema Club in 1980 and his contributions to developing the Kingdom's cinematic culture.

The opening ceremony will conclude with a screening of Extra Time, written and directed by Bahraini filmmaker Mashael Al Absi in her directorial debut.

The film explores the challenges faced by young women as they pursue their ambitions while navigating social expectations, customs and traditions.

The ceremony will also feature a musical performance by Bahraini artist Abdullah Haji, blending jazz with traditional Bahraini rhythms.

On Friday, November 6, the festival will host a special conversation with Yousra at 6:00 PM at Hilton Garden Inn in Bahrain Bay.

The discussion will be moderated by Bahraini actor and producer Qahtan Al Qahtani, offering audiences an opportunity to explore highlights of the actress's career and her relationship with cinema audiences.

The festival programme also includes workshops and discussions covering screenwriting, film development, casting, costume design, production and post-production.

Additional sessions will address intellectual property rights, women's roles in the film industry and opportunities for filming productions in Bahrain, bringing together industry specialists and filmmakers.

Activities will take place across several venues, including The Avenues Bahrain, Hilton Garden Inn and the Bahrain Cinema Club headquarters.

The Bahrain International Film Festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience the Kingdom's cultural scene through film screenings, conversations with filmmakers and exposure to cinematic perspectives from different countries.

The sixth edition is particularly significant for the international expansion of its competition, while also providing Bahraini cinema with a platform to reach a wider audience.

For visitors interested in attending, the festival's official website provides information about screenings and activities. Attendees are advised to check individual schedules and admission requirements before visiting each venue.