Dubai: The festival “Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert” wrapped up its third edition, presented by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).
The closing ceremony took place at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, where several films participating in the ‘Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition’ were honoured. ‘Gaza Fish,’ a film by director Mohammed Harb, won first place in the documentary category, the animated film ‘Flower’ directed by Nemar Precioso Sencil claimed the top spot in the animation category, and ‘Bitter Sweetness’ by Zaher Alkusaibati took first place in the live-action category.
Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts & Literature sector at Dubai Culture, attended the closing ceremony along with the festival’s jury members.
The festival’s third edition witnessed significant success, attracting more than 10,000 visitors over ten days. More than 70 films were screened, showcasing the contributions of Emirati, GCC, Arab, and international filmmakers.
The lineup included 56 short films competing for the Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition. The documentary film ‘Wild Dubai’ produced by the Government of Dubai Media Office, is featured along with a selection of documentary films produced by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
Additionally, a lineup of international and Arab films nominated for the Oscars presented by ‘Vox Cinema,’ including the Oscar-nominated film ‘Goodbye Julia’ directed by Mohamed Kordofani, and the Oscar-nominated film ‘HWJN’ directed by Yasir Al-Yasiri, were screened. The list also includes the film ‘The Last Family Dinner’ and ‘The Inseparables,’ directed by Jeremy Degruson, as well as ‘The Smurfs Back to Nature.’
Furthermore, Dubai Municipality presented a diverse range of documentaries on natural reserves across Dubai, and ‘Awaan’ digital platform, affiliated with ‘Dubai Media Incorporated,’ showcased approximately 18 short films in the kids’ area.