Recognised as the most important film event in the United Arab Emirates, outside of the Dubai Film Festival, the Emirates Film Competition has been running for 8 years.
Each year they showcase the best short films from the GCC (Gulf Coast Countries) and focus on a particular genre or theme. This year they wanted to introduce science fiction film to the UAE.
“We do not really know sci-fi here in Abu Dhabi. We get some of the big Hollywood films on TV but never get to see any of the independent films, and certainly no short films.” Said Nezar Andary, Programme Advisor to the event.
“We wanted someone to show us sci-fi, someone with lots of knowledge about shorts film made in the genre. We saw only two important SF festivals that have strong short film programmes, scienceplusfiction in Italy and SCI-FI-LONDON.”
SCI-FI-LONDON sent Festival Director, Louis Savy, and a selection of short films to be screened as a showcase for the festival and to show the wide range of themes and styles. The audience was made up of VIP ‘excellencies’, film and media students, tutors, writers and the culturally hungry – typical SFL crowd really 🙂
Let’s hope this kicks the nation’s filmmakers to start making some interesting films – submissions open in October folks!