Nurturing Native Talent at the 2006 Dubai International Film Festival
DIFF Short-Film Script Competition to Offer AED 120,000 Prize Money for UAE Nationals
Dubai (PRWEB) September 20, 2006
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) today announced details of the DIFF Short-Film Script Competition, instituted this year to nurture the filmmaking talent of UAE nationals.
Abdulhamid Juma, Deputy Director General, Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority said: “The Short-Film Script Competition aims to acknowledge and encourage emerging UAE scriptwriters and filmmakers, paving the way for an upcoming generation of national filmmaking talent.”
The script must be written in Arabic by a scriptwriter or filmmaker of UAE nationality. The competition provides a spotlight not only on nationals, but also on the richness and diversity of the local landscape, as each script is required to be set in the UAE.
Applicants may submit up to two scripts, no more than 30 pages in length, but it is important to note material must not have been previously optioned, purchased or produced. Entries must be the original, copyrighted work of a sole author or a collaborative effort between two writers, and the deadline for the competition is November 15, 2006.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director – Arab Programming and Head of DIFF Arab Film Competition said: “The UAE currently boasts over 600 nationals associated with the filmmaking industry. The works of emerging Emirati filmmakers screened at the 2005 edition proved their inherent creative talent. The competition will further their understanding of the medium, and provide momentum to a home-grown film industry.”
A three-member jury from the Arab film community will select three best scripts to be awarded cash prizes of AED 50,000 (US$ 13,500), AED 40,000 (US$ 11,000), and AED 30,000 (US$ 8,200) respectively.
Masoud added that the prize money must be allocated for the production of the film in the UAE, and winning scripts must be produced and submitted to DIFF 2007 before 1 October, 2007.
Award Winning UAE national scriptwriter, Ibrahim Al Mulla said: “DIFF’s decision to recognise UAE nationals will motivate scriptwriters to reach for higher creative standards and develop more innovative scripts and films.”
Al Mulla is the scriptwriter of prize winning documentary films “Memory of a Wall” (Emirates Film Competition 2002) and “An Eye Gazes at a Dream” (Golden Prize at Cairo Film Festival 2000 for Radio & TV).
Earlier this year, Dubai International Film Festival presented the 'DIFF Award for Outstanding Talent in an Emerging UAE Filmmaker' to Hamad Mansoor Alawar at the fifth edition of the Emirates Film Competition. The DIFF award included a cash prize of AED 15,000 for Alawar’s work, 'Once upon a Seed'.
DIFF also hosted a networking lunch for national filmmakers and film students to develop increased synergy among the UAE film making community. Later this year, it aims to hold workshops and interactive forums to further its objective of motivating the national filmmaking fraternity.
Competition criteria details and entry forms for DIFF Short-Script Film Competition are available on www. dubaifilmfest. com, the official website of the Dubai International Film Festival.
The Dubai International Film Festival 2006 will run from 10 – 17 December.
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: +9714 391 3378
Direct: +9714 391 4548
Fax: +9714 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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