Arab Film Institute, a non-profit cultural association that aims to provide a platform for Arab filmmakers, was launched as part of the 13th annual Dubai International Film Festival. “Being a witness and active member of the bright and rich Arab film scene, I felt we needed to bring together all this energy, and exchange experiences and ideas as well as offering wider opportunities in a fast-changing world to our film community,” explains Paul Baboudjian, Executive Director and Producer of Arab Film Institute.
A particularly exciting facet of the new initiative, the first of its kind, will be the annual Arab Film Awards, with the inaugural ceremony scheduled for March 2018 in order to honor the best players in the regional film industry. Everyone from actors and actresses to screenwriters, photographers, and directors will be eligible for recognition. Additionally, awards such as the Lifetime Achievement award and Best Student Film award will also be handed out.
What’s more, a board of respected film veterans has been brought together under a single committee to help foster and promote the ever-evolving Arab film ecosystem, with respected members – Al Zain Al Sabah, Nabil Ayouch, and Jawaheer Abdulla Al Qassimi among others – leading the charge.
