MENA 2025: Opening Ceremony

MENA Film Festival kicks off #MENA2025 with the celebrated MENA Opening Ceremony! Join us on Saturday, January 25 starting at 3:00 PM for an afternoon of food, music and a movie or two!

3PM – Opening reception – Join us in the VIFF Centre lobby for

• Mezze by Nuba.
• Persian tea and nabat on us.
• Official #MENA2025 art and merch to snag some swag.
• The Azure carpet to get your “had-to-be-there” shot by MENA’s professional photographers.

4PM – MENA 2025 Opening Ceremony:

• Land greeting.
• Word from the MENA team and our community,
• Music performance.
• • Featuring Ava Shadmani and Kiandokht Nouri, this violin & piano duo explores folk-inspired compositions and arrangements from the Middle East, showcasing the interplay between cultural traditions and contemporary expressions.
• Screening of One day this kid by Alexander Farah
• Q&A with the filmmaker

6PM – Closing – make your way to the exits and prepare for tonight’s screening and the host of activities throughout the week!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

VIFF Centre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, Canada