DIFF, Cairo to jointly support filmmakers

A new spirit of collaboration will provide a strong impetus to the development of Arabic cinema.

In a significant regional first, the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has joined hands with Cairo International Film Festival to strengthen the Arab film industry.

The partnership aims at lending momentum to regional film production by through a collaboration of the co-production markets of the two festivals.

Authorities at both festivals hope the move will support emerging filmmakers by providing them with access to potential funds and industry connections.

DIFF’s successful co-production market, Dubai Film Connection (DFC) – established in 2007 – will partner with the newly formed Cairo Film Connection to provide Arab filmmakers access to potential financial and infrastructure support as well as valuable industry connections.

With the new partnership, filmmakers can apply to both DFC and CFC for support in realising their film projects.

DIFF will award a selected project from Cairo Film Connection and invite the selected filmmaker to attend DIFF to explore further funding opportunities at DIFF through meetings with established industry players who attend the festival.

“DIFF pioneered the concept of the co-production market in the Arab world with Dubai Film Connection, which has  showcased 46 projects in the past three years 10 of which have been completed with a further nine in production,” said Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman of Dubai International Film Festival. 

“We believe that to promote a regional film industry it is extremely important to bring Arab filmmakers into direct contact with the international and regional film industries, which is facilitated by DFC. The partnership with Cairo Film Connection will further expand our reach across the Arab world, giving more opportunities for filmmakers to accomplish their projects.”

DFC offers directors of Arab origin more than $120,000 (Dh440,778) in prize money and invaluable industry connections.

The co-production market also matches the short-listed director/producer teams with specialists in film production, sales, distribution and funding to further their projects.

Winners at DFC receive three DIFF Awards each offering $25,000 and the $25,000 Desert Door DIFF Work in Progress Award.

This year, Film Clinic Egypt extends support to DFC projects with an award of $10,000 for a first-time feature filmmaker.

The seventh edition of Dubai International Film Festival 2010 will be held from December 12 to 19.