The competition encourages young Arab talents to express creativity and produce short films and songs that address pressing social and humanitarian issues.
Under the patronage of the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, represented by the Director General of Cultural Affairs Dr. Ali Al-Samad, Mentor Arabia launched the sixth edition of its regional initiative titled the “Youth Empowerment Film and Song Competition” on June 17, 2025, at Beirut Digital District in Beirut, Lebanon.
The launch event was attended by over 150 participants, including media professionals, academics, artists, representatives of governmental and diplomatic bodies, UN agencies, civil society organizations, youth, and more. The event unveiled the theme for this year’s edition: “Healthy Communication,” which aims to highlight the importance of impactful and positive communication among youth and society at large.
Media host Jessica Azar moderated a meaningful panel discussion featuring members of the competition’s jury, including: director Amin Dora, writer Rami Koussa, producer Sam Lahoud, actor Said Serhan, producer Carla Aad, actor Carlos Azar, actress Carmen Bsaibes, Anghami’s Head of Production Kamil Abi Khalil, and composer Nizar Francis.
The competition was first launched in 2017 to raise awareness about the importance of preventing risky behaviors among youth, inspiring and encouraging them to adopt healthy lifestyles. It quickly evolved into a regional initiative and leading platform that motivates Arab youth to express their hopes, challenges, and views on urgent social and humanitarian topics through the creation of short films and awareness songs.
The competition targets Arab youth between the ages of 18 and 30 and includes five main categories: narrative short films, documentary short films, promotional films, graphic/animated films, and songs. The 2025 jury includes a distinguished group of creatives, artists, and experts, such as:
Abou, Ahmad Al-Khatib, Amin Dora, Hamad Al-Sarraf, Darin Sallam, Rami Koussa, Rahma Riad, Rahma Suleiman, Sam Lahoud, Souad Massi, Said Serhan, Safwan Mdir, Sophie Boutros, Abdulmohsen Al-Nimr, Abir Nehme, Issam Youssef, Omar Al-Muaina, Qais Sheikh Najib, Carla Aad, Carlos Azar, Carmen Bsaibes, Karis Bashar, Karim El Shenawy, Lamia Qaiqa, Louyan Loulyan, Mohamed Al Bassiouni, Mohamed Jaber, Mohamed Qais, Mohamed Mishish, Michel Fadel, Mayada Haraki, Milad Abi Raad, Nassif Zeytoun, Nizar Francis, Nelly Karim, and Hend Sabry.
The competition is launched in collaboration with over 80 strategic partners from local, regional, and international entities, including MBC Al Amal, Anghami, the Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Zain Jordan, the Royal Health Awareness Society, IEFTA, and various governmental, non-governmental, media, academic, and private sector organizations.
The initiative has garnered wide acclaim, with over 6,000 participants, 62 winners, and 300+ young men and women participating in training sessions.
The closing ceremony of the first edition took place in Jordan in 2017 under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II of Jordan. The second edition’s closing was held in Kuwait under the patronage of the Minister of Information and Youth. The third edition concluded in Amman in 2022 with the presence of Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden. The fourth was also held in Amman in 2024 under the patronage and attendance of Prince Ali bin Al Hussein. The fifth edition’s closing took place in Doha in 2025, again attended by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden.
The sixth edition’s closing ceremony is scheduled for late 2025 and will include the announcement of the winners, panel discussions with jury members to inspire and guide youth, and a series of technical training workshops led by professionals and specialists in directing, writing, acting, composing, and other relevant creative fields.
Mentor Arabia is a regional, non-governmental, non-profit organization that works to empower children and youth and prevent risky behaviors, helping them lead healthy lives and make sound decisions.
Founded in 2006, its Board of Trustees is chaired by HRH Prince Turki Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz.
Mentor Arabia is part of Mentor International, founded in 1994 by of Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, with branches in Sweden, Latvia, Germany, the United States, and Jordan.