UAE markets Emirati cinema Down Under

Emirati film director Nayla Al Khaja leads a delegation from the UAE industry to the 2010 Melbourne International Film Festival 37° South Market, which begins on Thursday.

Al Khaja hopes to raise awareness of and market the UAE’s films in Australasia while she is there.

The event runs until August 8 and Al Khaja’s presence is being endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission.

“I can’t wait to close deals and sell UAE films overseas. I hope this opportunity will inspire more emerging UAE producers as we need more of them,” Al Khaja said.

ADFC partnered with MIFF 37° South Market last year, inviting one producer from Australia or New Zealand to The Circle Conference 2009 in Abu Dhabi, while selecting one producer from the Middle East will be selected to attend MIFF 37° South Market.

“We’ve selected a talented female film producer from the UAE, with rich and diverse perspectives and voice. By giving her this opportunity, we hope to gain greater exposure for her work while helping her connect with a global audience. It also gives us an opportunity to promote film talent from the UAE,” said Eissa Al Mazrouei, Special Projects Director, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.

While in Melbourne, Nayla Al Khaja will receive unique access to festival events, screenings, filmmaker forums and panels, as well as direct meetings with industry professionals and sales agents from around the world.

Nayla will also be writing a blog of her experience in Melbourne for the commission website www.film.gov.ae.

At the event, ADFC will also promote The Circle Conference, which takes place from October 13 to 15 in Abu Dhabi, to professionals in Australia and New Zealand.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.