News
Young graduates zoom in on local film industry
img_08092008_d7b91266-775a-486a-abd1-32bb9e8edbf9.jpg
The UAE's film industry is about to witness a changing landscape as the first batch of aspiring actors and filmmakers graduate from the 24hrs Film Workshop, an initiative by The Scene Club – a part of the Dubai International Film Festival and D-Seven Motion Pictures.
These hopefuls are armed with big dreams and a plan to launch their first short film post Ramadan, which will be the first of many such projects aimed at creating a local film industry hub to compete with Egypt and Morocco.
"This eight-day programme allowed students to enroll for three-hour daily workshops, where they could sign up for classes on production, acting and all aspects of filmmaking," said Nayla Al Khaja, Producer of D-Seven, and one of the instructors at the workshops.
"I always say that we can buy buildings, but we can't buy culture; it has to be given room to thrive and through this initiative, we have hopes to develop local talent, which can be utilised by foreign film producers, who are gradually making their way here," she told Emirates Business. Aside from unravelling big plans for the local filmmaking industry, it was also announced that The Scene Club will now be endorsed by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, which will set up workshops and provide internships on a quarterly basis and provide a permanent base for more and more students to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. "It is no secret there have been notable gaps and lack of resources within the local industry," said acting instructor Bashar Atiyat, an established Hollywood star (Syrianna).
"Early next year, a Hollywood production unit will be filming in Dubai and we will provide our students with hands-on training that can only benefit."
The next 24-Hours Workshop workshop will commence on August 23.
These hopefuls are armed with big dreams and a plan to launch their first short film post Ramadan, which will be the first of many such projects aimed at creating a local film industry hub to compete with Egypt and Morocco.
"This eight-day programme allowed students to enroll for three-hour daily workshops, where they could sign up for classes on production, acting and all aspects of filmmaking," said Nayla Al Khaja, Producer of D-Seven, and one of the instructors at the workshops.
"I always say that we can buy buildings, but we can't buy culture; it has to be given room to thrive and through this initiative, we have hopes to develop local talent, which can be utilised by foreign film producers, who are gradually making their way here," she told Emirates Business. Aside from unravelling big plans for the local filmmaking industry, it was also announced that The Scene Club will now be endorsed by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, which will set up workshops and provide internships on a quarterly basis and provide a permanent base for more and more students to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. "It is no secret there have been notable gaps and lack of resources within the local industry," said acting instructor Bashar Atiyat, an established Hollywood star (Syrianna).
"Early next year, a Hollywood production unit will be filming in Dubai and we will provide our students with hands-on training that can only benefit."
The next 24-Hours Workshop workshop will commence on August 23.