In a bid to promote local talent, a Dh250,000 production fund will be awarded to five Gulf filmmakers for their short film projects.
The initiative, which will see Image Nation Abu Dhabi partner with Dubai Film Market for the Enjaaz Production Support Programme, aims to encourage local and regional filmmaking talent.
Submissions will be judged by a panel of experts from Image Nation and Enjaaz who will select five filmmakers.
“The partnership was designed to increase the number of films from the region that can educate, inspire, influence and entertain whilst at the same time offer a window to issues, cultures and destinations unknown to a wider international audience. Film is arguably the most popular and powerful art form today and we look forward to showcasing a new slate of compelling and captivating Gulf films at DIFF this December,” said Shivani Pandya, DIFF’s Managing Director, in a statement.
Launched in 2009, Enjaaz has supported more than 120 Arab feature and short films to date, bringing Arab films to the screen and maximising their potential for international sales and distribution. Many of those filmmakers have also gone onto receive industry and international recognition for their projects on the world stage with a significant number of Arab films showcased at the Academy Awards, the BAFTAS and international film festivals including Berlin Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival.
The 13th edition of DIFF will take place from December 7 to 14. For details, go to www.diff.ae
