Film workshop calls for regional collaboration

Film professionals called for closer cooperation within the region to drive the production of movies and television series at a workshop on the sidelines of the Dubai International Film Festival.

The workshop, hosted by DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma, presented an overview of the current film and television production landscape in the Gulf and explored ways to advance the production of films and programmes in the region.

The panelists from around the GCC included: Mohamed Abdallah Al Marzouk and Ahmad Al Mansouri (UAE); Rashed Hassan Al Judar (Bahrain); Hassan Mohamad Al Hamdan (KSA); Dr Khaled Adelraheem Al Zadjali (Oman); Dr. Rabiaa Al Kawari (Qatar); Abdel Muhsen Al Banay (Kuwait) and Dr Abdallah Ben Saiid Abu Ras (Gulf Radio & TV, KSA).

The participants said that DIFF plays a key role in identifying and nurturing regional talent that will help elevate the quality of film and television production in the GCC region. They observed that film schools must shift their emphasis from theoretical learning to a more hands-on and practical-oriented approach to give young talent the right exposure that will help them gain a stronger understanding and insight of the film and television industry.

Abdulhamid Juma said that the Gulf Film Festival, which focuses on films from the GCC region and the Arab world, emphasizes student talent, DIFF gives them an added platform, giving them global exposure.

The participants also urged for stronger creative standards in film and television programming, and underscored the need for both the television and film sectors to share synergies and leverage mutual strengths.
 

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