DUBAI: The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has issued an open invitation for filmmakers to participate in the Al Marmoom Short Film Competition, a key component of the upcoming fourth edition of the Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival.
The competition aims to enhance the local film scene by providing filmmakers with a cutting-edge platform to support each other while encouraging them to share their skills and experiences. It also seeks to attract fresh talent to the industry.
Dubai Culture warmly invites all up-and-coming filmmakers and creatives from around the world to participate in the festival’s competition.
Applications are being accepted from August 14 to September 30, 2024. Following the submission period, a committee comprised of professionals, directors, and filmmakers will review the applications and submitted films. The committee will then determine which films will be shortlisted for the festival awards, to be announced in January 2025. The festival itself will take place at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve from January 3–12.
The competition will be held in four categories: documentaries, animated films, live-action, and films created using artificial intelligence. Eligible works will be selected based on a number of quality and content-related criteria. The invitation is open to all aspiring filmmakers and directors, whether working alone or in collaboration.
Participants must ensure that their work is original, fresh, and has never been displayed in a local, regional, or international festival or event. They must also present unique concepts that convey their artistic ambitions and commitment to innovation.
The films must be between 3 to 30 minutes in length and should not offend public morals, religions, or communities. Additionally, the participant must own all rights to the short film.
The festival aims to improve the sustainability of the film industry in the region and create an inspiring environment that brings together industry professionals to share their experiences and knowledge, thereby encouraging new talent to enter the field. Through its official competition, program of activities, film screenings, interactive workshops, and talks, the festival hopes to offer a remarkable cultural experience for the general public, citizens, residents, and tourists alike. It also aims to serve as a vital platform for the local and regional emerging film industry, giving aspiring artists a chance to express their creativity, hone their skills, and become professionals.
In its third edition, the festival showcased more than 70 films from filmmakers of Emirati, Gulf, Arab, and international backgrounds. Fifty-six short films competed in the three categories of the previous Al Marmoom Short Film Competition. In addition to numerous exhibitions and works of art inspired by film history, the festival featured discussions and workshops led by industry professionals.