DIFF opens film submission for its 11th edition

Dubai (WAM): Following a successful tenth year edition in 2013, the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is inviting filmmakers from across the Arab world to participate in its festival from December 10th to 17th, and announced yesterday that submissions for its 11th edition are now open. DIFF is now accepting entries for its flagship Muhr competition for feature fiction, non-fiction and short films originating from the U.A.E. and the Arab world. Since 2006, the Muhr competition has emerged as a definitive platform for Arab film, nurturing and rewarding filmmaking excellence in the Arab world. The competition has helped to raise profiles of award recipients on the international stage. The Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad took home the prestigious Muhr award for Best Feature Film for ‘Omar’ last year, which went on to receive an Oscar nomination. Complementing the Muhr competition, Muhr Emirati stands out for being the only dedicated competition for talent from the U.A.E. and has grown by 50 percent since last year, reflecting a significant increase in submissions from strong first-time filmmakers. Narrative features, documentaries and short films directed by a filmmaker of Arab nationality or origin are eligible for entry, and filmmakers have until September 25th, to enter their films. The Dubai International Film Festival is one of the leading film festivals in the region. Since its inception in 2004, the festival has served as an influential platform for Arab filmmakers and talent at an international level, by spearheading the cinema movement in the region. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/general/1395268864978.html