Dubai Film Festival to return on December 8, 2027 — The National
Dubai International Film Festival will resume in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on December 8, 2027 — ten years after it was last held. The festival's return was announced by Mona Al Marri, director general of the Government of Dubai Media Office, during the Arab Media Summit, The National reports.
According to Al Marri, the revived event is intended to become a new step in the development of the film industry. She noted that the region and film production have changed since the festival's previous editions, and that the UAE will continue to invest in creators and attract creative talent.
A platform for Arab cinema
The festival was founded in 2004, was held annually until 2017, and became an important platform for Arab filmmakers alongside screenings of international films. Participants could present their work, compete for awards, and establish contacts with producers, financiers, and distributors.
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The festival's industry programs also supported film projects at various stages of production. The Enjaaz fund provided post-production support, including for the films “Omar” by Palestinian director Hany Abu-Assad and “Wadjda.” In 2013, “Omar” opened the festival and won the Muhr Arab Feature award, while the program of 174 films included more than 100 Arab productions.
International premieres
Dubai International Film Festival hosted world and Middle Eastern premieres of international films. In 2007, the festival opened with “Michael Clayton,” presented by George Clooney, and in 2012 with “Life of Pi” directed by Ang Lee. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” closed the 2017 program.
Festival guests in different years included Omar Sharif, Cate Blanchett, Patrick Stewart, Shah Rukh Khan, and Morgan Freeman. In December 2011, Tom Cruise attended the world premiere of “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” parts of which were filmed in Dubai. At the last festival in December 2017, 140 films from 51 countries were screened, including 13 works by Emirati directors selected for world premieres.
