The Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC), an entity under the Dubai Media Council, has announced the launch of a national short film competition projecting the incredible strength, solidarity and resilience displayed by people from across the UAE amid the spectre of challenging regional events.

The competition will recognise outstanding entries across five award categories, namely Grand Jury Prize, Best Fiction Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Animated Film, and Best AI Film, with a total of 10 awards. Submissions are open until October 25, which marks the final deadline for entries. Winning entries from students will attract prizes amounting to Dh10,000, while award winners from amongst the professional participants will be entitled to prizes valued at Dh50,000. All competition entries will be screened in a three-stage process.

The first stage involves eligibility and technical evaluation, which will be followed by a preliminary online selection. Next is a review by an independent jury, ultimately leading to the public selection. The competition presents a golden opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts to earn wider recognition and reach new audiences spanning diverse cultures and nationalities.

Launched under the directives of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the initiative titled ‘Stories of Our Determination’ will spotlight profound human experiences through film while offering a unique platform aimed at encouraging students of media to explore the medium of film and gain hands-on exposure in creative production techniques.

Curated by the DFGC, the initiative provides a platform for Emirati and UAE-based filmmakers of all nationalities, including students, emerging talent, first-time filmmakers and professionals alike to showcase their craft through stories of national unity, resolve, and triumph. Accepted formats include Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Experimental film, AI-generated or AI-assisted film, Hybrid and mobile-phone filmmaking.

(Source: Khaleej Times)