9th DIFF receives record number of film submissions

The 9th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has received a record number of film submissions for this year’s upcoming Festival which runs from 9th – 16th December, 2012.

A total of 2,100 films submissions were received online from 115 countries, made in more than 32 languages from established film markets of USA, United Kingdom, France, Japan and India to emerging markets including Trinidad and Tobago, Burkina Faso, Angola and Madagascar.

Year on year the participation from GCC filmmakers increases with 2012 being an incredible year for Emirati filmmakers, with a 30% increase in films submitted. This is a clear indication of success from support programmes in the region such as the initiatives offered through Dubai Film Market that encourages regional filmmaking talent, not only through creative support but financial and production assistance enabling filmmakers to bring their script to screen.

For the past nine years, DIFF has showcased the world’s best films connecting audiences to critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent. The number of world premieres each year has risen at a remarkable rate, from one world premiere and one international premiere in 2004 to 46 world premieres and 27 international premieres in 2011 with the total number of films screened more than doubling.

Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali commented: ‘With each year, the Dubai International Film Festival continues to grow in submissions and attendance, as well as the quality of the work on the Festival screens. With the record number of submissions this year, we are honoured that the film community recognizes the importance of DIFF as a platform to launch, discover and appreciate films from established filmmakers along with exciting emerging talent. We are looking forward to celebrating the accomplishments of filmmakers from all over the world, exciting new audiences and bringing industry professionals, filmmakers, the public and together to experience this year’s ground-breaking and breathtaking line-up.’

• UAE