Dubai International Film Festival to be held every two years

CAIRO – 20 April 2018: Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) management announced on April 18 that the festival will be held every two years. The 15th edition will reflect DIFF’s changed strategy, and has been confirmed to be hosted in Dubai in 2019.


The decision comes as a part of new strategy adopted by the festival to support the growth and evolution of the film and content industries in the region.
“DIFF has established Dubai as a world-class destination in the film and content industry. It serves as a platform to promote cultural understanding between the region and the world, as well as the development of the local and regional film industry, giving the opportunity to many ambitious film makers to shine,” Jamal Al-Sharif, chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission commented.

The strategic shift aims to embrace the significant changes taking place in the region’s creative and entertainment landscape. The new strategy also seeks to leverage the emergence of exciting new talent and innovative new technologies that are rapidly transforming the content landscape in the region.


“With the vast changes taking place both in the regional and global movie-making and content industry, we are seeking to redefine the Dubai International Film Festival’s approach towards nurturing growth, creativity and talent,” Al-Sharif recounted.


Dubai International Film Festival has celebrated the magic of cinema over the past 14 years, with almost 2,000 screenings including 500 films from the Arab world. The festival helped more than 300 films from the region reach completion, facilitated funding and partnership for a further 140, supported more than 200 talented Arab filmmakers through the Festival’s Muhr Awards, and driven tourism across the city.