GFF 2010 invites submissions from Student Filmmakers

• Submissions by students of all nationalities invited for total prize money of AED60,000

The third Gulf Film Festival (GFF), an annual event celebrating Gulf cinema, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, is currently receiving submissions from students of all nationalities for its Student Competition for documentary and short films.

The competition is open to works made or produced by students of all nationalities during their academic study or as part of a college project. GCC national students can submit films on any subject while all other nationalities must submit films that pertain to life in the Gulf.

GFF Festival Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said that initiatives like Dubai International Film Festival, Gulf Film Festival and Ibdaa Awards, supported by the film infrastructure being developed by Dubai, have inspired youngsters to pursue active careers in film making. “Through the Gulf Film Festival, we want to celebrate their creativity and highlight how the region is serving as a sounding board for young film talent.”

He added that Dubai’s young film industry is supported by several internationally recognised film education programmes. “Students at these campuses as well as other educational institutions have proven their skills with some astonishing film productions. To promote the growth of the regional film industry, it is extremely important to support these youngsters, alongside local talent.”

The first, second and third place winners – to be selected by an eminent jury – will be awarded AED 20,000, AED 15,000, and AED 10,000 respectively, at GFF to be held from April 8-14, 2010. A Special Jury Prize of AED 15,000 will be presented to the best documentary or short.

Entry is free and must be submitted before February 25, 2010 by completing the application form online (www.gulffilmfest.com) in both Arabic and English. Two copies of the DVD of the film must reach GFF together with a signed copy of the online submission form before the same date of February 25, 2010.

Gulf Film Festival will present awards worth AED 485,000 to professionals and student filmmakers. The festival is presented by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority in association with Dubai Studio City.