DIFF boosts young film Journalists

The panel represents not only an entertainment media educational opportunity second to none, but a chance to meet and interact with some of the foremost names in film journalism.

Moderated by Alaa Karkouti, editor of Good News Group, which publishes the only Arabic-language film criticism magazine, the panel comprises international names: Colin Brown, former editor of the prestigious periodical Screen International; film critics Mostafa Messnaoui and Mohammad Moesa; and Giorgio Ungania, Corporate Training Manager of SAE Institute, a global multimedia and filmmaking education institute.

DIFF's Managing Director, Shivani Pandya, said:

"Film reviews, film journalism, publicity and media attention are essential vehicles in developing audience interest in film and getting news about the film industry in general into the public consciousness. DIFF recognises the key role that the media plays within the film industry, and launched the 'DIFF Young Journalist Award' this year in order to encourage students to explore this aspect of journalism as a possible career."

Participants were chosen from an initial phase of the competition, where students from 24 schools were invited to submit a 200-word review of a film of their choice. During the second phase of the contest, the 20 shortlisted students will be asked to submit another piece of writing to the festival. This can either be a review of a film from the festival programme or a write-up of one of the Industry events or a press conference, which will again be evaluated by the panel. The winner will be announced during DIFF 2008.

DIFF 2008 will run from December 11 to 18, 2008.