The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) today introduced its new initiative, ‘The Scene: Your UAE Film Network,’ a series of monthly screenings at the DUCTAC auditorium at Mall of the Emirates, facilitated by UAE National filmmaker Nayla al Khaja. The first screening will be held November 30, and will showcase three award-winning films by Arab filmmakers. The series is dedicated to films that have not been commercially released in the UAE.  Director and producer al Khaja, whose short f...

INAUGURAL MIDDLE EAST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – ABU DHABI BLACK PEARL AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCEDProducer Peter Bouckaert, and Director Nic Balthazar of BEN XWinner of the Black Pearl Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature Film. The award carries with it a cash prize of AED 300,000 Michael James Rowland of LUCKY MILESWinner of Black Pearl Jury Prize for Best New Director (Feature Film). The award carries with it a cash prize of AED 300,000Ensemble Cast: Nadine Labaki, Yasmine Al Masri, Joanna Mouka...

The Middle East International Film Festival – Abu Dhabi announces the Official Competition slate, with filmmakers competing for the coveted Black Pearl awards. “The production support awarded with the Black Pearl is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Nashwa Al-Ruwaini. “We are confident that it will help propel its recipient into the next level of filmmaking.”“We are thrilled with the line-up of films we have in Competition,” said Festival Director Jon Fitzgerald. “They represent world-...

Premiers, Packed Houses, Prestigious Jury Awards and More… Aspen Shortsfest celebrated an eclectic mix of short films including several world and North American premiers to big crowds and dozens of film guests from around the world during its 15th edition. Laughter, applause—even screams—could be heard throughout the festival in Aspen and Carbondale. The Audience Favorite Award was a 3-way split between The Danish Poet (North American premier, Torill Kove, Canada/Norway; animation), Mons...