Filmlab Palestine

The project aims to transform children’s cinema in the Arab region from fragmented and isolated initiatives into a structured, collaborative, and investable sector, capable of producing sustainable works, shaping cultural narratives, and empowering new generations to be both critical viewers and creative producers of their own stories.

"Re-Inception" involves opening all questions to discussion and experimentation, even to the point of deconstruction. FilmLab will be exploring new ways to ensure sustainability, such as investing in income-generating projects, expanding regionally, and seeking partnerships beyond European-centered support. This re evaluation is particularly critical as the team reflects on the past decade of their programming. This project embodies their efforts to experiment, evolve, and expand their reach while
ensuring their work remains resilient and impactful in these challenging times.

The project aims to ensure the continued presence and operation of their organization through the sustainability of two of their programs that target children exclusively:
Waqtona Platform, a groundbreaking initiative focusing on children and youth under 15 years old. The program aims to foster a cinema culture, enhance film literacy, and expose youngsters to high-quality films beyond mainstream styles; and
Media Literacy Research: examining the current landscape of children's and youth film production and viewing behaviors in the Middle East region, specifically Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon. The research seeks to gain insights into the prevailing trends and challenges in this domain.
By combining the practical outreach of the Waqtona Platform with comprehensive research efforts, FilmLab Palestine is working to make significant strides in nurturing the next generation's visual literacy and contributing to the long-term impact on youth engagement with cinematic arts in the region.