Arab Cinema Center views DIFF shutdown as great loss

CAIRO – 9 May 2018: The Arab Cinema Center (ACC) shed light on the shutdown of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) this year during the Cannes Film Festival, viewing it as a great loss to the Arab film industry.

Through its stand at the Cannes Film Festival, ACC viewed the figures and achievements of the Dubai International Film Festival throughout its 14 editions. ACC mentioned that the festival contributed to supporting more than 140 Arab film projects, panel discussions and support programs, as well as 300 Arab films in their post-production stage through its Enjaaz initiative, in addition to honoring more than 200 Arab filmmakers.

DIFF hosted the world premieres of over 2,000 Arab films within its various competitions.

DIFF’s management announced on April 18 that the festival will now be held every two years. The 15th edition will reflect DIFF’s changed strategy and is confirmed to be hosted in Dubai in 2019.

The decision comes as a part of the 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,” 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 increased tourism throughout the city.