Substantial submissions received for the Hayah Film Competition

The competition requires filmmakers to create a complete five-minute film for an iPod.

"The response to the Hayah Film Competition has exceeded all our expectations," noted Magnus Nystedt, president of EmiratesMac Apple User Group and founder of the competition. "We're very excited that so many people around the Middle East have decided to take part. Seeing the variety of entries, from the diversity of people submitting films to the types of subjects covered, has been a revelation. We look forward to the screening and judging process."

Developed in the spirit of innovation and new technology, the Hayah Film Competition challenges filmmakers to capture an aspect of life in a short amount of time and in a reserved amount of screen space. The competition, which was open to anyone in the Middle East, accepted submissions in the categories of Student, Professional, and Amateur.

The theme for the competition is "Life at the Size of an iPod Screen," and submissions have come from countries such as Iran, Oman, Bahrain and the UAE. The submitted films include topics on Ramadan, Generation X, Thalassemia, art, education, families and relationships. Some of the filmmakers chose to use animation to present their stories.

The films will be viewed and judged on iPods and shortlisted entries will be available on the competition's website. The judges for the competition include Dr. Brad Cook, Director of ADWC; Omran Al Owais, Vice President of EmiratesMac Apple User Group; and Jon Fitzgerald, Festival Director of the Middle East International Film Festival - Abu Dhabi.
Audiences will be able to view the shortlisted entries on the competition's website and vote for their favorite films. The voting ends at midnight on October 18 and the winners will be announced at the end of the festival.