Diff website, YouTube help in record turnout

Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) said its website and YouTube played a major role in driving a record turnout for its 2009 edition.

Diff 2009 became digital with innovations to its website, a mobile phone application, and including a social media aimed at young film fans.

Mahsa Motamedi, Diff's Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, said: "Embracing technology is critical to engaging with modern cinema audiences."

Half of all ticket sales were made online. An advanced mobile phone application with the support of Sony Ericsson provided instant access users. The application generated more than 23,000 page views. New visitors made up more than 40 per cent of the total website traffic in 2009 – and more than 12,000 visitors accessed the site daily.

Diff events were available on YouTube receiving nearly 40,000 views, in addition to Twitter feed, and Facebook page, a statement said.

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