DIFF 'Friends of the Festival' programme launches to enhance supporters Festival experience

The "Friends of the Festival" initiative was launched to support DIFF's mission to foster cultural communication, provide access to world-class cinema and create a platform for emerging Arab filmmakers. "Friends of the Festival" packages are now available for the upcoming 9th edition of DIFF running from 9th - 16th December, 2012.

Since its debut in 2004, DIFF has made huge strides in supporting filmmakers, growing audiences and introducing and promoting Arab film and talent to the world. The "Friends of the Festival" programme is reaching out to arts and culture supporters, philanthropists and visionary business leaders to contribute to the development of a film environment in which innovation, opportunity and creativity can thrive.

With the festival just a matter of weeks away, the "Friends of the Festival" programme is rolling out the red carpet for those who share an extraordinary love of film and the desire to support a bigger and better Festival. With exclusive access to extraordinary events, tickets to hotly anticipated films and an opportunity to rub shoulders with the stars there's no better way to dazzle your friends, family and clients this December. These exclusive passes also have the opportunity to bypass the ticket queues as they offer the opportunity to select films one day prior to the box office opening.

Shivani Pandya, Managing Director of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) explains: "DIFF once again promises to deliver a vibrant and diverse programme this year promoting the Arab world's rich culture and distinct identity on a word stage. As we continue to develop a film industry that in the future we hope will launch the careers of some of the incredible talent who come through our "script to screen" support programmes we are reaching out to the fans of the festival to enjoy our "Friends of the Festival" initiative to help us support and accelerate the future of film. Without the encouragement of our community the success over the past 9 years wouldn't have been possible and we are extremely grateful."

Companies, families or individuals can participate in any of the four exclusive and limited tiers - DIFF Platinum Partner, DIFF Gold Circle, Patron of DIFF or DIFF Supporter. In return, patrons will receive insider access to the Festival as an acknowledgement of their support for one of the most anticipated and important events on the UAE's cultural calendar.

Launched this year the DIFF Platinum Partner is the ultimate VIP package to the Festival and offers red carpet tickets for DIFF opening and awards nights along with access to the pre and post-receptions held on both nights; access to Festival headquarters and special screenings; a special viewing area for red carpet arrivals; reserved seating; priority film selection; four screening tickets a day, 20 vouchers for Gala films, 40 vouchers for non-Gala films to share with friends. Platinum Partners will also receive tickets to the most important event on the Dubai Calendar DIFF's exclusive annual charity gala supporting Oxfam and Dubai Cares. VIP parking facilities, acknowledgement in the DIFF catalogue; invitations to DIFF's year-round events including invitations to Gulf Film Festival opening night film, Awards Ceremony and invitations to exclusive premieres throughout the year.

The DIFF Gold Circle level offers red carpet tickets for DIFF opening and awards nights along with access to the pre and post-receptions held on both nights; access to Festival headquarters and special screenings; a special viewing area for red carpet arrivals; reserved seating; priority film selection; four screening tickets a day and a bouquet of ticket vouchers to share with friends. Gold Circle members will also receive VIP parking facilities, acknowledgement in the DIFF catalogue; invitations to DIFF's year-round events including invitations to Gulf Film Festival opening night film, Awards Ceremony and invitations to exclusive premieres throughout the year.

The Patron of DIFF level includes access to the awards night and reception, reserved gala seating, VIP parking, four screening tickets a day, a packet of 10 ticket vouchers for friends, acknowledgement in the DIFF catalogue, invitations to DIFF's year-round events including invitations to Gulf Film Festival's Awards Ceremony and and invitations to exclusive premieres throughout the year.

DIFF Supporters can also avail of four screening tickets a day, reserved seating section at the DIFF gala venue, acknowledgement in the DIFF catalogue. The DIFF Supporters tier is limited to 100 people only. All packages are extremely limited and, as in 2011, expected to sell out.

All 'Friends of the Festival' participants will receive special DIFF badges denoting their participation.