CineMENA to promote content creation

Dubai - The platform will offer local talent opportunities to take part in free workshops, events and masterclasses in Dubai.

A new content creation platform is being launched by Dubai Studio City to encourage residents in the emirate to create more content, whether as influencers, actors or filmmakers.
The platform, called CineMENA, will offer local talent opportunities to take part in free workshops, events and masterclasses, all in efforts to promote further content creation in Dubai.
The workshops will take place at In5, located at Dubai Production City, and will host professionals and academics to help budding filmmakers and social media content creators.
Majed Al Suwaidi, managing director of Dubai Studio City, said: "Local content from Mena region has a relatively low representation on a global level. We are keen for CineMENA to change the status quo through actively promoting locally produced content in both Arabic and English. We aspire to bring together passionate individuals to learn, generate content and network with other members and stakeholders of the creativity community."
He added that they have all the necessary equipment, such as filming studios and editing rooms available for local talent to get them started.
An "affordable" freelance permit at a cost of Dh7,500 was launched earlier this year for content creators to help them operate legally.
Jamal Al Sharif, chairman of the Dubai Film and TV Commission, said: "For over a decade, there has been no doubt that the region has made significant strides in the content creation industry, and we intend to provide all the facilities to support our local talent. With CineMENA, we aim to build a platform where content creators can learn, inspire, network and explore new prospects.
"The initiative is poised to benefit all aspiring creators, whether they belong to the filmmaking, screenwriting, or pre- and post-production fields. CineMENA will provide our young people with an ideal opportunity to showcase their talent while helping develop the regional visual content creation sector and encouraging creativity."
Al Sharif used Asri Bendacha as a "successful example" of a filmmaker, who recently had his "Follow Me" documentary bought by Netflix.
Al Sharif added that CineMENA aims to nurture budding filmmakers and help them turn "their dreams into reality".
Dubai Studio City has been holding these workshops for the past three years and has seen participation of more than 2,000 amateurs and professionals.
CineMENA, which will launch in February, will also introduce a new competition to recognise local and regional talent, featuring four categories - Best Short Film, Best Short Documentary, Best Music Video and Best Film Inspired by the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

DIC launches freelance permit for IT professionals
Dubai Internet City (DIC) has launched its GoFreelance permit that will enable freelance talent to work in the technology sector.
Introduced by Tecom Group, the GoFreelance package is tailored to meet the dynamic needs of the region's technology sector.
Freelancers will have access to various services and facilities offered by Dubai Internet City. Experts in the domains of web, mobile, software development and architecture, IT and telecommunication networking, data science and analytics, and customer service, as well as stakeholders providing technical support and related services are eligible to apply. Freelancers will have the flexibility to choose the company they work with and the projects they work on, and manage their own schedule.
Ammar Al Malik, managing director, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource City (DOC), said: "There is no doubt that independence breeds and encourages creativity and innovation. The technology landscape in Dubai is evolving at breath-taking speed. It is imperative that businesses keep up with the pace at which technology is now being developed and consumed. In order to stay relevant, competitive and profitable, businesses need to ensure that they operate with a flexible business model, one that embraces the concept of freelance talent. GoFreelance is one such solution that businesses can take advantage of to keep up with the constant demand for talent."
Malik said: "Apart from retaining talent, GoFreelance will also attract and nurture young innovators from around the world, thereby infusing diverse skills and fresh thinking into the local mix."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai