Second screening for Showtime as official broadcaster of Dubai International Film Festival 2006

This year the partnership promises more top-rate showbiz action with live feeds from the red carpet and a full month's schedule of the free-to-air 'DIFF TV.'

While in 2005 DIFF TV was established as the ultimate source of information on all movies and documentaries being shown in Dubai during the festival, this year the TV channel is more interactive, bringing viewers the latest gossip about global screen stars and movie trivia for avid film fans.

Famous Arabic presenter and popular regional personality Lina Sawan will interview the stars as they arrive and, for the second year running, will act as anchor woman for DIFF TV, which launches on November 15th and will be available to all audiences, not just Showtime subscribers.
DIFF TV will be located on Channel 11 in the 'Nilesat All' TV Bouquet and Channel 2 in the 'Showtime Bouquet'.

Lina will be supported by Zoe Harris who will present a series of top 10 TV and movie moments including, the best kiss and most popular movie heroes. Zoe will work with a team of roving DIFF TV reporters who will bring viewers all the gossip, backstage buzz and film updates throughout the week-long spectacle.

"We're really excited about the extended scope of DIFF TV this year," said Azhar Malik, Vice President, Marketing, Showtime Arabia. "Not only are we able to offer viewers a front row seat at all the screenings and events throughout the festival, we're also giving them the best chance to get up close and personal with this year's star-studded VIP invite list."

"The decision to extend the channel's airing schedule to one month is a result of its success last year and the thousands of people who were able to see and understand this important event from their own homes," added Malik. "We also have some great presenters this year who are geared up to deliver a unique behind the scene look at the festival programme and lots more content to support the event's 'bridging cultures, meeting minds theme'."

Last year 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.
This year the organisers expect an increase in attendance as well as the number of films being screened with even more focus on Arabic content, including a number of productions from local Emirati producers.

Showtime is well placed to assist in the long term development of the festival due to its established relationships with leading studios around the world, including five out of eight exclusive studio deals. This includes all the major Hollywood producers as well as those from Europe and the Middle East.