The event was held in association with the Dubai International Film Festival. DIFF's support of the event was aimed at emphasizing its commitment to promoting the production and proliferation of Arab cinema. Serving as the highlight of the four-day London event was the panel discussion on 'Filming in the Middle East' at which Shivani Pandya, Managing Director of the Dubai International Film Festival spoke.
The discussion drew broad-ranging perspectives from industry professional on the benefits of filming in the Arab world, particularly in Tunisia, Jordan, the UAE and Morocco. Chaired by Ali Jaafar, Variety magazine's Europe and Middle East Correspondent, other panelists included Amin Matalqa, Director of award winning film Captain Abu Raed, Philippe Aractingi, Director and Producer of Under the Bombs, Ibrahim Al-Batout Director of Eye of the Sun, Mohammed Al Daradji Director of Ahlaam and George David, Deputy General Manager of the Royal Film Commission Jordan.
Ms. Pandya said: 'This event has allowed us to showcase to a new audience, the exciting new cinematic dimensions of Arab cinema and the innovative industry opportunities emerging in this part of the world.'
'Since its establishment, DIFF has been at the forefront of events that contribute to the growth of regional cinema and indigenous talent. Simultaneously, we have successfully placed Dubai on the global centre-stage through building bridges with cultures and communities worldwide and attracting international pools of talent. '
Ms. Pandya also touched on the importance of filmmaking in the UAE and of DIFF as a platform for filmmakers. The festival not only showcases top class films but also actively promotes film production in the region through its association with Dubai Studio City (DSC) and the Location Approval Services (LAS) which has helped attract international filmmaking talent to Dubai and in doing so furthered its position as a hub for global film production.
DIFF is one of the most anticipated annual cultural events in Dubai bringing the best in International and Arab cinema to film lovers in the region. The fifth edition of DIFF to be held December 11 to 18, 2008, promises to continue premiering films of excellence and also host innovative events celebrating the magic of cinema.
DIFF joins 'Filming in the Middle East' panel at BAFTA
BAFTA last week celebrated the diversity, depth and reach of Arab cinema during the well received event 'Bafta Goes to the Arab World'.
- United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, July 22 - 2008 at 14:45
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About BAFTA - BAFTA was founded in 1947 as The British Film Academy. In 1958, the Academy merged with The Guild of Television Producers and Directors to form The Society of Film and Television, which eventually became The British Academy of Film and Television Arts in 1976.
BAFTA's stated charitable remit is to 'support, develop and promote the art forms of the moving image, by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public'. In addition to high profile awards ceremonies BAFTA runs a year-round programme of educational events including film screenings and tribute evenings. BAFTA is supported by a membership of around 6000 people from the film, television and video game industries.
About Dubai International Film Festival - In 2004, the Dubai International Film Festival launched with its theme of 'Bridging Cultures. Meeting Minds.'Going into its fifth year, DIFF is held under the Honorary Chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. DIFF is a not-for-profit cultural event, presented and organised by the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority.
The 5th Dubai International Film Festival will be taking place in Dubai from 11 to 18 December 2008.
About Dubai Studio City (www.dubaistudiocity.com)
Launched in Feb, 2005, Dubai Studio City (DSC) offers a complete technical and community infrastructure catering to the film, TV, radio production and broadcast industries. Being built on an area of more than 20 million square feet. DSC aims to attract production and broadcast companies, as well as a wide range of support services, including providers for animation, dubbing, makeup, costume design, set design and construction, casting, telnet agencies, telecine, and laboratory facilities. DSC will feature pre-built studios, sound stages, workshops, backlots and stage areas, post-production studios, and satellite communication services. The cluster will also house film & television academies, commercial offices, entertainment & retail spaces, and hotels & residential facilities to accommodate crews and cast. DSC's Location Approval Services (LAS) provides a single window for applying for shooting permits.
Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News EditorTuesday, July 22 - 2008 at 14:45 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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