$1.5m up for grabs in Dubai film grant

Arab filmmakers have been invited to send in entries for production grants of up to $100,000 (Dh367,269) each in an initiative aimed at bolstering Dubai’s image as a cinematic hub.

The Dubai International Film Festival’s Enjaaz fund will pick 15 winners for a potential prize pot of $1.5 million or Dh5.5m in its 2011 cycle, organisers said on Sunday.

Enjaaz, which aims to support films in development, funded seven projects in 2009, including “Zindeeq”, directed by Michel Khleifi; Iman Kamel’s “Beit Sha’ar”, Kaouther Ben Hania’s “Imams Go to School” and Leila Sansour’s “The Road to Bethlehem”. A similar number were financed in 2010 and details are to be announced in coming weeks.

Applications for its 2011 cycle close in February.

To qualify for selection, the final cut of the feature films must be a work of fiction that equals or exceeds 60 minutes in length, while documentary films must be non-fiction that exceeds 50 minutes. Films must be directed by an Arab filmmaker and the subject and storyline of the film must be centred on the Arab world, Arab history, and/or Arab culture for the respective competitions.

Michel Khleifi and Omar Al-Qattan of “Zindeeq”, said: “For an emerging filmmaker, there is nothing more challenging than working on a self-financed, independent film. Enjaaz provided us with the opportunity to complete a movie without questioning our aesthetic choices, and in turn present ‘Zindeeq’ to a diverse audience.”

DIFF Managing Director Shivani Pandya said: “Funding makes a critical difference to filmmakers’ ability to deliver quality films under production, and Enjaaz steps in to address this need. The resounding response to Enjaaz reflects the interest in regional and international cinema production. With Enjaaz, the Dubai Film Market covers the entire ‘script to screen’ filmmaking life cycle.”

She added: “For Arab talents to prove their mettle internationally, it is important that they have adequate resources. Enjaaz has already helped create a rich roster of critically acclaimed films. These movies have also grabbed the attention of industry professionals from around the world, who have shown interest in securing their distribution rights.”