Mona Al Marri announces return of Dubai International Film Festival

Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit, announced the return of the Dubai International Film Festival, with a special Middle East edition from December 8. Her Excellency said the first edition of the festival in its new format will be dedicated to Arab films, reflecting the growing interest in Arab cinema and its creators. The festival will provide a broader platform for directors, producers, actors and writers to showcase their work, share their experiences, and engage with audiences, critics and industry professionals. She said the festival's return is not merely the revival of a cinematic event closely associated with Dubai's cultural standing. It is part of a new vision aimed at building an integrated ecosystem for film creativity that combines screenings, dialogue, talent discovery and knowledge exchange. The initiative seeks to help emerging generations enter the film industry and further develop their skills and expertise. A platform for talent and the future of filmmaking The new edition places Arab talent at the centre of the cinematic experience, providing young filmmakers with opportunities to present their work and ideas while engaging with leading figures in the industry. This will help build connections between different generations of filmmakers. The festival also aims to create a space for dialogue on the current state and future of Arab cinema, the challenges faced by filmmakers, and the opportunities arising from rapid changes in the content industry. It will also focus on identifying and supporting talent capable of telling Arab stories through fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. The initiative builds on the legacy of the Dubai International Film Festival, which helped establish Dubai as a prominent destination on the global film festival circuit. The festival attracted leading Arab and international filmmakers and actors, showcased a diverse range of films, and offered specialised programmes to support talent development and filmmaking. Al Marri said the festival's return reaffirms Dubai's position as a hub for talent and creativity. It will provide a platform that brings together filmmakers, cultural and media institutions, and audiences, helping to foster dialogue on the future of cinema in the region. Arab films are expected to be the focus of the inaugural edition, giving the region's filmmakers greater visibility and a platform to showcase new creative experiences. The programme will highlight the diversity of stories, voices and perspectives emerging from a new generation of filmmakers. This vision reflects a shift from a traditional film-screening event to a comprehensive creative ecosystem focused on discovering talent, building networks, exchanging knowledge and creating new opportunities for Arab filmmakers. It also supports Dubai's ambitions to strengthen its position as a regional hub for the creative industries.