By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has announced the valued partners that will continue to support regional filmmaking excellence for the Festival’s 14th edition, running from 6 – 13 December. DIFF’s ‘Supported By’ partners include: Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), the media organisation focused on innovation, quality and working in line with the strategic objectives of the government of Dubai; Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen (who is also DIFF’s official ‘Festival-Time’ partner); and Middle East Broadcasting Centre Group (MBC), the largest and leading private media company in the Middle East & North Africa.
The ongoing support from these partnerships plays a crucial role in allowing the Festival to bring an array of the latest and greatest films from around the world to the UAE each December, as well as discovering and supporting the next generation of filmmaking talent in the region.
Ahmed Saeed Al Mansouri, CEO of TV and Radio Division at DMI said: “DIFF is one of the largest and most prominent film festivals in the region – it serves as a stimulus for the regional film movement and is a key platform for Arab filmmakers to showcase their talent regionally and internationally. DMI’s partnership with the 14th edition of DIFF is in line with our commitment to support the most prestigious events and festivals in the UAE, alongside our regular coverage of prominent business, lifestyle and celebrity events.”
He continued: “DMI will broadcast the events of DIFF from 6-13 December and we encourage viewers to follow the coverage of the finest cinema from the region and around the world on our digital channels. Our coverage will include key filmmaking events, forums, panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions. Audiences will also have the chance to see their favourite celebrities on the red carpet and view a series of contests and other initiatives that support the Arab and international filmmaking industry.”
IWC Regional Director, Luc Rochereau said: “IWC is proud to continue our partnership with the Dubai International Film Festival and renew our commitment to nurture Arabic cinema and regional talent. It has been a privilege to be a part of this journey for the past seven years, watching aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters bring their projects to the big screen and go on to earn international recognition for their work. The region’s industry growth speaks to the legacy of DIFF’s initiatives and support programmes.”
Fadel Zahreddine, MBC G. Director of Brand Management & Digital Businesses, said: “The partnership between MBC GROUP & DIFF has been growing stronger over the years, as we share a similar passion when it comes to celebrating moviemaking and the industry at large”.
Zahreddine further added: “In this year’s edition of DIFF, MBC promises to accelerate young talent in this field, and specifically students who are hungry to be discovered, nurtured and trained to the next level of moviemaking”.
Abdulhamid Juma, DIFF’s Chairman, commented: “We are extremely honoured to receive the continued commitment of our ‘Supported By’ sponsors for the 14th Festival. These partnerships are intrinsic to the Festival’s world-class offering and allow us to continue to support the region’s emerging talent and share their work with a global audience.”
Ticket packages are on sale now for the 14th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival which will take place from 6 – 13 December, 2017.
