Al Noor Centre launches first 'We Care' Film Festival in UAE

The event, organized by Al Noor Training Centre, Brother Hood, and Global Rainbow Foundation is endorsed by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

The film festival represents an exciting competition that gives aspiring filmmakers from universities and the community the opportunity to submit entries in different categories to raise awareness on disability issues, and showcase their short films on March 21st and 22nd 2013.

Commenting on the launch of "We Care Film Festival", Isphana Al Khatib, Director of Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs said: "Children with special needs are part of the community and we need to integrate them further into mainstream filmmaking by raising more awareness amongst the public about their special gifts. We encourage everyone to participate and be a part of this very important initiative that combines art and community awareness."

Interested filmmakers will have to start developing their ideas and perfecting their short films in preparation for the festival. Films are divided into three categories based on duration: up to 1 minute, up to 5 minutes, up to 30 minutes. The deadline for entries is 3rd of March, 2013.

Shortlisted films will be showcased during the Film Festival on March 21st and 22nd at VOX cinemas and Al Noor Training Centre. Films in Arabic will have English subtitles and films in English will have Arabic subtitles. Mariam Al Roumi has confirmed her attendance as a VIP and the films will be judged by Nayla Al Khaja, Dr. Ghassan Al Khateri and a panel of judges who are well-known in the local community for their contribution to the film industry. Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi - the Minister of Social Affairs will also be attending the event.

"Al Noor Training Centre believes that there is a wealth of talent in the community at large, and the festival signifies an excellent platform to provide such talents with the opportunity to reveal their skills while highlighting disability and raising awareness in our society and promoting a humanitarian cause. This is an opportunity for budding filmmakers to shine and for us to shed light on the importance of supporting children with special needs," concluded Al Khatib.