The Circle to host Film and Interactive Media Conference

The Circle is one of the most important film initiatives in the region, and hosts The Circle Conference and Interactive Media Exhibition (IMC) from 6 to 11 of October. In addition to the Conference, The Circle provides a variety of programs throughout the year to raise Abu Dhabi's visibility to the international film community by informing local investors of financing structures, showcasing new artists, improving the skills of Emirati and Middle East filmmakers, and facilitating production collaborations.

Adrienne Briggs, Director of The Circle, explained that The Circle is an initiative established by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH).

"We were set up to provide year-round programs to grow the film industry in Abu Dhabi and become a conduit for industry representatives from Hollywood, Europe and Asia to meet the brightest emerging filmmakers in the Middle East,"

she said.

"The conference programme will include a number of activities that will help give rise to Abu Dhabi as the center of the filmmaking industry in the region," added Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Director General of ADACH. Programs that will take place during the event will include discussion panels, roundtables, and master classes (in which selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to explore their craft with award-winning screenwriters). A Charity dinner will also be a highlight during the Conference.

Several programs during the Circle Conference designed to showcase talent include the Shasha Grant - an international $100,000 screenwriting contest designed to identify, develop and launch the career of an up-and-coming filmmaker; and the Cloeween Connection, which will spotlight 15 emerging directors in the region and facilitate collaborations on their next films through the Producers Circle.

"In order to enrich the event even further, we established the Interactive Media Circle (IMC), which includes panels and an exhibition focused on introducing new-media technology to industry players and the general public," Briggs continued. "The exhibit portion of the IMC will take place October 9th through 11th in Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall. The combination of cutting edge exhibits and advanced interactive experiences will promote Abu Dhabi as a prime destination for New-Media production in the Middle East. It will feature virtual worlds, video games, interactive art, narrative tools and internet communication platforms," she concluded.