Middle East Now

A festival exploring the contemporary Middle East

Middle East Now is one of the most original cultural events in the city of Florence and the entire Tuscany region. Founded in 2010 by the Map of Creation association under the artistic direction of Lisa Chiari and Roberto Ruta, the festival has established itself as a key reference point in Italy for those wishing to discover the Middle East and North Africa through the eyes of those who live and tell its stories. Cinema, documentaries, visual arts, music, meetings, and cuisine create a mosaic that transcends prejudices and clichés.

The heart of the festival: cinema

The absolute protagonists are the films and documentaries, many of which have been awarded at major international festivals and are presented in Florence as Italian premieres. The selection spans Palestine, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Libya, and Iraq, alternating between fiction, experimental works, and powerful reports from the present day. Each edition is accompanied by a curatorial theme that invites the audience to view the region with fresh eyes.

Beyond the screen: exhibitions, talks, and food

In addition to screenings, Middle East Now offers photography and contemporary art exhibitions, meetings and talks with directors, artists, and international guests, performances, and a section dedicated to Middle Eastern food, featuring cooking demonstrations and tastings that turn the venue into a place of exchange. It is this plurality of languages that makes the festival an immersive experience rather than just a simple film review.

Venues in Florence

The festival takes place in the heart of Florence, with its main hub at the Cinema La Compagnia on Via Cavour, with additional screenings at the Cinema Astra and other city spaces, including galleries and cultural venues. Its autumn timing makes Middle East Now the event that traditionally opens the "50 Days of Cinema in Florence", a showcase of the city's major film festivals.

Why attend

• Italian premieres and award-winning films from international festivals
• Over thirty directors, artists, and guests at every edition
• Exhibitions, talks, performances, and culinary events
• A week in the heart of Florence, Tuscany

For both the Florentine public and visitors, Middle East Now is an opportunity for a cultural journey that combines the city's great cinematic tradition with a curious and profound look at the Middle Eastern world today.