/24-7PressRelease/ - DUBAI, UAE, August 30, 2006 - The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) today announced approximately AED 1.2 million (US$ 325,000) in prize money as part of the 'Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema' for winning entries in the festival's new Arab Film Competition.
Addressing a press conference, the festival management said the term 'Muhr', meaning young horse in Arabic, is in line with Dubai International Film Festival's logo. Symbolising the Arabian heritage, 'Muhr' also embodies nobility and spirit, and will highlight DIFF as a film festival that is representative of the region.
The 'Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema' will honour the work of Arab filmmakers in the feature, documentary and short film categories. The new Competition will recognize Arab and UAE filmmakers as part of the festival's overall strategy to develop and support the Arab film industry. The top prize in the Arab Film Competition for best feature will be close to AED 185,000 (US$ 50,000)
The competition will additionally award UAE filmmakers for the best script in the shorts category, and give recognition to an emerging UAE filmmaker as the 'most promising filmmaker' for 2006.
Abdulhamid Juma, Deputy Director General, TECOM said: "DIFF aims to share the creative excellence of Arab filmmakers with its audiences from around the world. The Arab Film Competition will celebrate films that provide an insight into the rich culture and traditions of the Arab world. The Muhr Awards will mark a new milestone in the realm of Arab cinema, and pave the way for a new generation of filmmaking talent in the UAE."
Providing details on the programming for DIFF 2006, Neil Stephenson, CEO of DIFF said: "While focusing on DIFF's tradition to support the Arab filmmaking community, we will continue to bring in works of dynamic international filmmakers that the festival's audience would otherwise not have the opportunity to view."
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director - Arab Programming and Head of DIFF Arab Film Competition announced the prize structure for the Arab Film Competition, including the special awards for UAE nationals. The first three prize-winning UAE national scriptwriters will be honoured with cash prizes of AED 50,000 (US$ 13,500), AED 40,000 (US$ 11,000), and AED 30,000 (US$ 8,200) respectively. Prize money of AED 30,000 (US$ 8,200) has been earmarked for the winner of the 'Most Promising UAE Filmmaker' award.
Masoud added: "This competition will assist in the growth and development of the Arab film industry, and provide an environment for Arab filmmakers to showcase their work to key members of the international industry."
The deadline for submissions to the Arab Film Competition is 25 September, 2006. The deadline for submissions from UAE nationals for the scriptwriting prizes is 15 November, 2006.
Criteria, entry forms, and prize structure for the Muhr Awards are available on http://www.dubaifilmfest.com, the official website of the Dubai International Film Festival.
The Dubai International Film Festival is scheduled to run from 10-17 December 2006.
For further information, please contact:
Majid Wasi
Account Manager
Jiwin
Tel: +9714 361 3333
Fax: +9714 368 8001
Email: majid.wasi@jiwin.ae
Deepa Asnani
Marketing and Communications Manager
Dubai International Film Festival
Tel: +971 4 391 3378
Direct: +971 4 391 4548
Fax: +971 4 391 4589
Email: deepa.asnani@dubaimediacity.ae
About the Dubai International Film Festival
In 2004, a new festival joined the ranks of the world's international film festivals. Using the powerful medium of film to serve as a platform for inter-cultural dialogue and an instrument of global understanding, the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) launched with its theme of 'Bridging Cultures. Meeting Minds.'
Going into its third year, the DIFF is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the Chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The DIFF is a not-for-profit cultural event, presented and organized by the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority.
DIFF showcases a wide selection of features, shorts and documentaries, from around the world, reflecting Dubai's cosmopolitan and multi-cultural character. The festival further seeks to celebrate excellence in Arab and world cinema by screening a repertoire of critically acclaimed and award winning films.
Located at the crossroads of East and West, and one of the world's fastest growing business and tourist destinations, Dubai provides an ideal meeting point for industry friends and colleagues from around the globe. The array of panel discussions at DIFF instigates a healthy exchange of ideas among a group of progressive film industry professionals, and the networking initiatives hosted by DIFF provide a conducive setting for conducting business.
In both its previous editions, the festival has attracted the attendance of prominent industry figures, including filmmakers and talent from as many as 46 different countries. Several past DIFF guests are currently scouting locations in Dubai for their new film projects.
DIFF 2005
Last year, DIFF took place from December 11 to 17, against the magnificent backdrop of the Madinat Jumeirah Arabian Resort. The festival's registration figures increased dramatically and the audience grew from approximately 18,000 in 2004 to over 30,000 in 2005. The 2005 festival showcased 98 films from 46 different countries, which included 22 Gulf premieres, 38 Middle East premieres, 7 International premieres and 6 World premieres.
DIFF 2006
The third edition of DIFF will take place in early December, 2006. For information on this year's festival, including details on film submission, media and industry accreditation, and other new developments, please visit the website http://www.dubaifilmfest.com during the year.
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