Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) today announced a new segment that will allow filmmakers to compete for jury prizes.
Providing details of the competition categories and submission dates, Neil Stephenson, CEO, Dubai International Film Festival said, “DIFF’s decision to add a competitive component is part of the Festival’s strategy to evolve into an important destination for creative excellence in Arab cinema.
“DIFF is developing into a major film event and has a responsibility to initiate cross-cultural dialogue and promote the best of Arab cinema. DIFF has introduced a competitive element in order to recognize deserving filmmakers and provide them with a prestigious forum for showcasing their talent.”
The announcement came ahead of DIFF’s annual reception at the Cannes Film Festival.
DIFF 2006, scheduled to take place from December 10 – 17, invites entries in three categories: features, shorts and documentaries. The films should be produced after 1 January 2005 and fulfill one of the following criteria.

• Films directed by an Arab, whether residing in the Arab world or abroad
Or
• Films reflecting Arab socio-cultural issues
Two weeks following the submission deadline of October 1, the DIFF selection committee will shortlist ten films in each category.
The first three winning entries will be awarded gold, silver and bronze trophies at a prestigious ceremony amidst luminaries from the cinema industry at DIFF 2006 this December
In an effort to provide a broader forum for commendable work, DIFF 2006 has also instituted an Out of Competition segment for entries that are considered creditworthy by the Selection Committee. A selection of films in each category will be presented in this section.
Following the huge success of the previous two years, DIFF is gearing up for its third annual event. DIFF 2005 recorded 30,000 screening admissions, and showcased 98 films from 46 different countries representing 12 different program sections. With a total of 187 public screenings and 13 press screenings, the event featured approximately 38 Arab films.
DIFF 2006 will include premieres, workshops, panel discussions, industry networking receptions and parties.

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For further information, please contact:
Deepa Asnani
Tel: +971 4 391 3378
Direct: +971 4 391 4548
Fax: +971 4 391 4589
Email: deepa.asnani@dubaimediacity.ae
Majid Wasi
Account Manager
Jiwin
Tel: +9714 361 3333
Fax: +9714 368 8001
Email: majid.wasi@jiwin.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 www.dubaifilmfest.com during the year.