Next Festival: November 30 - December 4, 2025
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2025
2024 Edition Successfully Completed - See Winners Below
Exil Filmfestivalen Malmö is a collaboration between ISS (Iranian-Swedish Solidarity Association) and International Exile Film Festival in Gothenburg, both non-profit organizations dedicated to giving voice to filmmakers in exile.
Our festival welcomes films made by independent filmmakers from around the world, with particular encouragement for submissions by filmmakers in exile, films banned in their countries of production, films exploring themes of exile, and works addressing uncomfortable current subjects.
The festival will be held at the newly opened Panora Cinema in Malmö, featuring six days of film screenings, art exhibitions, workshops, and Q&A sessions across various venues in Malmö.
Cash prizes, plaques, and certificates are awarded to exceptional films that embody the spirit of exile and artistic excellence.
Festival Held: October 11-14, 2024 | Awards Ceremony: October 14, 2024
Detailed schedule will be announced in September 2025
Stay tuned for screening times, venues, and special events
Final date for film submissions across all categories
Selected filmmakers will be notified via email
Opening ceremony and first screenings at Panora Cinema
Film screenings, workshops, art exhibitions, and Q&A sessions
Final screening and awards presentation
October 11-14, 2024 at Panora Cinema, Malmö
Opening ceremony with "Silent Borders" premiere and welcome reception
Feature films, Q&A sessions, and director masterclasses
Documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation short programs
Winners announced and celebration with closing film
47 films screened • 23 countries represented • 1,200 attendees
info@exilfilmfestivalen.se
Panora Cinema, Malmö
Sweden
Facebook: @ExilFilmfestivalen
Twitter: @Exilefilmfest
Join filmmakers from around the world in the 2025 edition
Submit Your Film NowBabak Rahimi is an Iranian-Swedish filmmaker and cultural activist who founded the Exil Filmfestivalen Malmö in 2015. Born in Tehran in 1975, Babak moved to Sweden in 2005 where he completed his studies in Film Production at Malmö University.
With over 15 years of experience in documentary filmmaking, Babak has directed several acclaimed films exploring themes of displacement and identity, including "Letters from Home" (2018) and "The Bridge Between" (2020). His work has been featured at international festivals including Cannes Critics' Week and Berlin International Film Festival.
As the founder of ISS (Iranian-Swedish Solidarity Association), Babak is passionate about creating platforms for exiled voices in cinema. Under his leadership, the festival has grown from a small community screening to an internationally recognized event that champions artistic freedom and cultural exchange.
Sara Molaei is a film curator and programmer with extensive experience in international cinema. Originally from Afghanistan, she moved to Sweden in 2018 and quickly became involved in the Nordic film scene.
With a Master's degree in Film Studies from Stockholm University, Sara specializes in contemporary Middle Eastern and Central Asian cinema. She has curated programs for the Göteborg International Film Festival and served as a jury member at several European festivals.
At Exil Filmfestivalen, Sara oversees the selection process and ensures diverse representation across all categories. Her deep understanding of exile narratives helps identify powerful stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Lars Andersson brings over 20 years of event management experience to the festival. A Malmö native, he has been instrumental in establishing partnerships with local venues and securing municipal support for the festival.
Previously, Lars managed operations for Malmö International Film Festival and worked as a producer for several Swedish television productions. His expertise in logistics and vendor relations ensures smooth festival operations.
Lars is passionate about cultural diversity and believes in the power of cinema to bridge communities. His meticulous planning and attention to detail have been crucial to the festival's growing success and reputation for professionalism.
Nadia Karimi is a Syrian-Swedish journalist and community organizer who joined the festival team in 2020. She fled Damascus in 2016 and has since become a prominent voice for refugee rights in Sweden.
With a background in international journalism, Nadia previously worked for Al Jazeera and several European media outlets. She holds a degree in Political Science from Damascus University and has completed additional studies in Digital Media at Lund University.
Nadia's role involves building relationships with immigrant communities across Malmö and ensuring the festival remains accessible to diverse audiences. Her multilingual abilities and deep understanding of exile experiences make her an invaluable bridge between filmmakers and communities.
Ahmad Hassan is a Palestinian-Swedish film technician who oversees all technical aspects of the festival screenings. Born in Ramallah, he moved to Sweden in 2012 to pursue studies in Cinema Technology at the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Ahmad has worked as a cinematographer and editor on numerous independent films, with his work featured at festivals across Europe. He specializes in digital projection systems and has extensive experience with various film formats and restoration techniques.
His technical expertise ensures that every film is presented in optimal quality, regardless of its original format or production constraints. Ahmad is also responsible for the festival's growing digital archive project, preserving important works by filmmakers in exile.
Festival Held: October 11-14, 2024 | Awards Ceremony: October 14, 2024
Films Screened
Countries Represented
Festival Attendees
Q&A Sessions
"This festival provides a crucial platform for voices that need to be heard. The quality of films was exceptional."
"Malmö showed incredible hospitality. The audience engagement was unlike anything I've experienced."