FIRE!! Festival 2026 to Spotlight Queer Arab and Persian Cinema with Poster by Hadi Moussally

The 31st edition of FIRE!! Festival, Barcelona's LGBTQ+ film festival, will run from June 4 to 14, 2026, under the theme 'A Thousand and One Queer Stories,' focusing on Arab and Persian cinematographies. The festival has announced its full lineup and that tickets are now available. Recognized as one of Southern Europe's most significant LGBTQ+ film festivals, this edition intertwines cinema, culture, and community. Lebanese artist Hadi Moussally, through his alter ego Salma Zahore, created the official poster and video spot, responding directly to the festival's theme. Moussally's work explores queer-ture, questioning gender and belief systems, and pays homage to Egyptian icon Sherihan, referencing her televised performances from the late 80s and Ramadan costumes. The poster features a transforming dress, creature-like gloved hands, and the eye symbol from Arab visual culture. The festival opens with the film 'Bouchra' and a performance by Moussally titled 'I Am Love.' Notable films include 'The Crowd,' 'On sera heureux,' 'Dreamers,' 'The Activist,' 'Perro perro,' and 'Departures.' Short film sessions include 'Spain: The Leather Territory' and the 'Get Involved' space. A round table titled 'The Revolution of Arab and Persian Queer Cinema' will also take place. The festival aims to highlight LGBTQ+ narratives from Arab and Persian backgrounds, addressing themes of resistance, intimacy, belonging, and freedom.