• HSBC

Dubai International Film Festival opens Industry Office

  • United Arab Emirates: Thursday, November 23 - 2006 at 11:31
  • PRESS RELEASE

The Dubai International Film Festival announced today the launch of its Industry Office, in association with Dubai Studio City.

A dedicated networking platform, designed to promote interaction between local, regional and international filmmakers, the Industry Office's goal is to help participants develop their professional activities through workshops and panels.

For networking purposes, there will be a dedicated 'Industry Lounge' in the Festival Centre where delegates can meet between screenings, collect messages, buy industry tickets, and access the internet. The Office will also hold structured networking initiatives throughout the festival run. Ensuring that industry guests are able to recognize each other, the Industry Office will publish a guide with information on each delegate.

A series of panels and master classes will also be on offer, including sessions with international directors and actors. In keeping with the festival's mandate of boosting UAE filmmakers, there will also be 2-day intensive coaching sessions for Emiratis.

Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman, DIFF, commented upon the necessity of introducing the Industry Office this year: "We want to ensure that Dubai remains an industry meeting-place and contributes to the dynamism of the global film industry and the entry of Arab filmmakers into the international sphere. By providing a platform for networking between Arab filmmakers and international producers, distributors, studios representatives and talent, the Industry Office will boost the development of the regional film industry."

The Industry Office will also launch a matchmaking initiative assisting Lebanese filmmakers to meet distributors and producers, with the goal of obtaining corporate financing for five film projects.

Shivani Pandya, Managing Director, DIFF, stated: "This initiative is only the beginning, and we will continue to improve on it every year based on user feedback. We encourage all delegates to make use of it, because this infrastructure is designed with them in mind. We wanted to ensure that networking is happening and ideas are being exchanged. This is not only an amazing tool for individuals, but it will accelerate the pace of business conducted at the festival, which will ultimately affect the film industry in the region."

The third run of the Dubai International Film Festival is scheduled to run from December 10 to 17, 2006.
 
Article Options
Log in to request more information

Notes and Media Contacts »

For further information, please contact:
Majid Wasi
Account Manager
Jiwin
Tel: +9714 361 3333
Fax: +9714 368 8001


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 media and industry accreditation, and other new developments, please visit the website.

Disclaimer »

Articles in this section are primarily provided directly by the companies appearing or PR agencies which are solely responsible for the content. The companies concerned may use the above content on their respective web sites provided they link back to http://www.ameinfo.com

Any opinions, advice, statements, offers or other information expressed in this section of the AMEinfo.com Web site are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited. AME Info FZ LLC / Emap Limited is not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or reliability of any material, advice, opinion or statement in this section of the AMEinfo.com Web site.

For details about submitting your stories, please read the guide - all content published is subject to our terms and conditions