MEIFF Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Women's College announce Hayah Film Competition

Developed in the spirit of innovation and new technology, the Hayah Film Competition encourages creativity from filmmakers throughout the UAE and the Middle East.

"Hayah" means "life" in Arabic and the theme for the competition is "life at the size of an iPod screen."

The competition challenges filmmakers to capture an aspect of life in a short amount of time and in a reserved amount of screen space.

Filmmakers must submit projects in an iPod compatible format, no longer than five (5) minutes in length. The competition is open to anyone in the Middle East. Submissions are accepted from September 10 to September 27 in the following categories: Student, Professional, and Amateur. Winners in each category will receive an awards package, including a cash prize.

The films will be viewed and judged on iPods, and shortlisted entries will be available on the competition's website. Audiences can either visit the website on-line to vote for their favorite films or watch and vote at Macs located around the festival. Voting ends at midnight on October 18 and winners will be announced at the end of the festival.

With the launch of the Hayah Film Competition, MEIFF looks forward to supporting films in all their forms and expanding our efforts in new technology and beyond by continuously highlighting cutting edge filmmaking this year and in the future.

The Middle East International Film Festival - Abu Dhabi (MEIFF) is a cultural event dedicated to bringing a diverse slate of international films and programs to the community and introducing filmmakers from around the world to the resources of the region. Presented by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), MEIFF is committed to nurturing relationships and providing opportunities to those looking to invest in the future of film.

In this regard, the Festival will launch the inaugural Film Financing Circle (FFC), which will become a significant annual conference on the subject of international co-productions. The Middle East International Film Festival - Abu Dhabi (MEIFF) debuts October 14-19, 2007 and the Film Financing Circle (FFC) starts October 15 and ends October 17. Abu Dhabi is a city unprecedented in its ability to develop and grow in response to the global marketplace.