Two pioneering Bahraini film directors and a veteran Syria actress will be honoured at the fifth edition of the Bahrain Film Festival, scheduled to be held from October 30 to November 4.
The event, under the theme ‘Short Films ... Great Stories’, is being organised by the Bahrain Cinema Club in co-operation with the Information Ministry.

Mona Wassef
Mona Wassef is considered to be one of the most prominent names in Arab cinema, with a rich artistic career spanning more than five decades, distinguished by her portrayal of diverse characters that reflect the strength of women and the challenges they face in society.
One of her most notable achievements was her role in The Message, making her the first Arab woman to star in an international film.
In recognition of the pioneers of cinema in Bahrain, Bahraini directors Ali Abbas and Majeed Shams will also be honoured, commemorating their significant efforts in supporting Bahraini cinema since the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their collaborative work has resulted in the production of five short films. Despite difficult production conditions, including challenges related to editing and sound, they were able to produce films that addressed numerous human issues.