Dubai International Film Festival Open for Submissions to Its New Arab Film Competition

DIFF competition targets Arab filmmakers internationally, aims to strengthen and support Arab cinema.

Dubai (PRWEB) August 8, 2006 -- As the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) gathers momentum for its third edition this December, it is inviting submissions in the categories of features, shorts and documentaries to its new Arab Film Competition.

“DIFF has launched an Arab Film Competition in order to fulfill one of its core objectives -- showcasing and promoting excellence in Arab cinema,” commented Festival CEO, Neil Stephenson.

The Competition satisfies this objective through carefully composed criteria - films must be made by a director of Arab nationality or origin, and the subject and storyline of the film must be centred on the Arab world and/or Arab history or culture.

“The Competition serves to provide Arab filmmakers an opportunity to receive recognition for outstanding work, and encourage production of films that spread knowledge and understanding of the Arab world and its rich culture. It is also in strategic harmony with the Festival’s theme of ‘Bridging Cultures. Meeting Minds’,” added Stephenson.

Other competition criteria include: The films must have been produced between 1 January 2005 and 21 September 2006. The film should not have been released commercially in the UAE before 17 December 2006, and should not previously have been shown on any television channel or streamed via the internet to any public audience. The deadline for submissions is 21 September 2006.

A top judging panel from the international and Arab film community will review submissions, and shortlist ten films in each of the three categories. Entrants of the submissions that get selected will be notified by 15 November 2006.

The first three prize winning directors in each category will be awarded attractive cash prizes and a DIFF certificate at an awards ceremony during the festival in December.

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Arab Artistic Director of DIFF said “Many festival-goers have expressed a high interest in viewing Arab cinema. Through the launch of this competition, we want to support and strengthen the local and regional film industries. It is also part of a bigger strategic vision to grow Dubai’s own film industry base.”

Competition criteria details and entry forms for DIFF 2006 are available on www.dubaifilmfest.com, the official website of the Dubai International Film Festival.

Films that do not meet with the competition criteria and have not been commercially screened in the UAE can be submitted for consideration in DIFF’s ‘Out of Competition’ Arabian Nights or Emerging Emiratis sections.

The Dubai International Film Festival is scheduled to be held from 10-17 December 2006.

For further information, please contact:

Majid Wasi

Account Manager

Jiwin

Tel: +9714 361 3333

Fax: +9714 368 8001

Deepa Asnani

Marketing and Communications Manager

Dubai International Film Festival

Tel: +971 4 391 3378

Direct: +971 4 391 4548

Fax: +971 4 391 4589

About- The Dubai International Film Festival

In 2004, a new festival joined the ranks of the world’s international film festivals. Using the powerful medium of film to serve as a platform for inter-cultural dialogue and an instrument of global understanding, the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) launched with its theme of ‘Bridging Cultures. Meeting Minds.’

Going into its third year, the DIFF is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the Chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The DIFF is a not-for-profit cultural event, presented and organized by the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority.

DIFF showcases a wide selection of features, shorts and documentaries, from around the world, reflecting Dubai’s cosmopolitan and multi-cultural character. The festival further seeks to celebrate excellence in Arab and world cinema by screening a repertoire of critically acclaimed and award winning films.

Located at the crossroads of East and West, and one of the world’s fastest growing business and tourist destinations, Dubai provides an ideal meeting point for industry friends and colleagues from around the globe. The array of panel discussions at DIFF instigates a healthy exchange of ideas among a group of progressive film industry professionals, and the networking initiatives hosted by DIFF provide a conducive setting for conducting business.

In both its previous editions, the festival has attracted the attendance of prominent industry figures, including filmmakers and talent from as many as 46 different countries. Several past DIFF guests are currently scouting locations in Dubai for their new film projects.

DIFF 2005

Last year, DIFF took place from December 11 to 17, against the magnificent backdrop of the Madinat Jumeirah Arabian Resort. The festival’s registration figures increased dramatically and the audience grew from approximately 18,000 in 2004 to over 30,000 in 2005. The 2005 festival showcased 98 films from 46 different countries, which included 22 Gulf premieres, 38 Middle East premieres, 7 International premieres and 6 World premieres.

DIFF 2006

The third edition of DIFF will take place in early December, 2006. For information on this year’s festival, including details on film submission, media and industry accreditation, and other new developments, please visit the website www.dubaifilmfest.com during the year.

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