UAE short film competition: Win up to Dh50,000 with ‘Stories of Our Determination’
Dubai’s new national film contest is open to UAE-based filmmakers, students, AI creators and first-time filmmakers, with entries due by October 25. Here’s everything you need to know
Dubai: If you love the UAE and want to share its stories of solidarity and resilience, there’s no better time than now.
Yesterday, the Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC) announced the launch of a national short film competition that puts the spotlight on the strength, solidarity and resilience of UAE’s community as they navigated through challenging regional events.
Here’s everything you need to know about the contest, who is eligible to enter, and how much you can win.
What is the new national short film competition about?
Launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the initiative is titled ‘Stories of Our Determination’. Its aim is to spotlight profound human experiences through film, and to showcase stories of national unity, resolve and triumph.
The initiative is also part of Dubai Media Council (DMC) and the DFGC’s plan celebrate and mark the 55th Eid Al Etihad.
All competition entries will be narrowed down to an official selection of 55 films centred on four national themes under ‘Stories of Our Determination’:
- Those Who Protected Us – Saluting the UAE Armed Forces, emergency responders, frontline personnel and national institutions. Your film might tell the story of those who answered the call, following a moment of courage, sacrifice, duty or quiet service, and the families who carried its weight.
- One Nation, Many Communities – Reflecting on how Emiratis and diverse nationalities stood as one through testing times. Your film could tell the story of how people from across the world stood together as one community, exploring an unexpected act of solidarity, a shared fear overcome, or a moment of belonging.
- Life Continued – Highlighting the collective will to overcome the crisis. Share the story behind an ordinary moment by looking closer at the everyday lives that continued through uncertainty, whether it was in a hospital shift, a classroom, or through a business opening its doors.
- Stronger Toward the Future – Spotlighting the unwavering ambition and determination of the community to shape the nation’s future. What comes after resilience? Your film could show how strength becomes progress, by following a young person, an innovator or a community that turned experience into purpose.
The competition will culminate in a gala screening of films selected by the independent jury ahead of the official awards ceremony.
Who is eligible to participate?
By welcoming different generations and creative perspectives, the initiative is encouraging new voices, showcasing young talent and supporting diversity in storytelling.
The competition is open to both Emirati and UAE-based filmmakers of all nationalities, including:
- Students of all grades
- Artificial intelligence (AI) creators
- Animators
- Photographers turning to motion
- Screenwriters ready to direct
- Journalists and storytellers
- Content creators
- Actors stepping behind the camera
- Visual artists and designers
- First-time filmmakers
What types of formats are allowed?
Accepted formats include:
- Fiction
- Documentary
- Animation
- Experimental film
- Artificial intelligence (AI) generated or AI-assisted film
- Hybrid
- Mobile phone filmmaking
What are the criteria for the film?
Here are the conditions for anyone who would like to create and submit a film for this competition:
- It should run no longer than five minutes (titles and credits included).
- It should be an original work, made for the competition and not previously released.
- Any language is welcome. Films that are not in Arabic or English require subtitles.
- Any technique or video format is welcome.
- One theme per film only. Entries are free.
What is the submission deadline?
Submissions open soon and the deadline to submit your film is October 25.
For now, you can register your interest, and be the first to know when submissions open, by signing up here: storiesofstrength.ae.
Are there awards for winners?
According to DFGC, winning entries from students will attract prizes of Dh10,000, while award winners from professional participants will be entitled to prizes valued at Dh50,000.
By distributing a total of 10 awards, the Stories of Our Determination competition is set to recognise outstanding entries across five award categories:
- Grand Jury Prize
- Best Fiction Film
- Best Documentary Film
- Best Animated Film
- Best AI Film
How will the competition be judged?
Selected films are screened publicly and join a permanent national archive. The contest’s entries will be screened in a three-stage process, according to DFGC.
The first stage involves eligibility and technical evaluation, which will be followed by a preliminary online selection. Next, an independent jury will review the films and select the winners. Finally, one award will be open to public selection, and decided by public vote.