Flagship sponsors renew support to seventh edition of DIFF

The four flagship sponsors of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) have renewed their support for the seventh edition of the leading film festival in the Arab world, Asia and Africa, joined by a new principal sponsor.

Dubai Duty Free, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah – associated with DIFF since its inception in 2004 – and Dubai Pearl will continue to be the principal sponsors of the Festival this year, with Dubai International Financial Centre now also putting its weight behind DIFF as it heads towards its latest edition.

Since its first edition in 2004, DIFF has steadily grown in strength and stature. It has successfully bridged cultures through the language of film, showcased the best of Arab cinema and provided a unique experience for UAE residents and visitors. The Festival’s sponsors have significantly contributed to its success, adding value to DIFF, while also raising the cultural, economic and social profile of the emirate across the world.

Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman, Dubai International Film Festival, said: “Over the years, DIFF has emerged as one of the powerful brands from Dubai, highlighting the cosmopolitan ethos of the city and the strong public private partnerships fostered by the Emirate. DIFF is one of Dubai’s signature events, and the partnership with our flagship sponsors has contributed in establishing its reach across the world.”

With DIFF growing into the leading cinema destination for the region and being recognized as among the best and most diverse festivals in the world, the sponsors too have re-affirmed their support for DIFF, valuing their partnership and shared goals.

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: “Dubai Duty Free is honoured to be associated with DIFF, which connects the world and fosters cultural exchanges through the medium of films. The festival is a showcase of Dubai’s cultural openness and a reflection of the cosmopolitan population of the city.”

Abdul Majeed Ismail Al Fahim, Chairman of Dubai Pearl, said: “Through our partnership with DIFF, Dubai Pearl is reiterating the important role that the corporate sector can play in promoting cultural initiatives. We have been associated with DIFF’s global charity initiatives too, enabling us to partner in community building programmes for people around the world.”

Sir Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Emirates is strongly committed to supporting all forms of artistic expression, and DIFF is an excellent cultural investment in Dubai and an ideal platform to showcase emerging filmmaking talent in the region. Our continued partnership with DIFF to promote Dubai as a global city with cultural diversity and huge business potential, has been very rewarding.”

Gerard Lawless, Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group, said: “Madinat Jumeirah, the official home of the Dubai International Film Festival, is delighted to play host once more to this exciting international event; as a founding sponsor, we look forward to welcoming visitors and guests to experience the renowned Jumeirah hospitality.”

Abdulla Al Awar, CEO, DIFC Authority, said: ““We are delighted to lend our support to DIFF. Since its inception in 2004 the festival has become well established and is another great example of Dubai’s inspiring initiatives. Our sponsorship of this event reflects the DIFC’s belief in the importance of art in cultural growth and development. DIFF and DIFC have each, brought together multi-cultural talent in the fields of art and finance respectively that have helped bridge the gap between the East and West.”

DIFF 2010 box office locations are: Cinestar Mall of the Emirates, Madinat Souk and the CNN Building in Dubai Media City. Tickets can also be purchased through DIFF’s Dial-a-Ticket service at (04) 391 3378 and from the website www.dubaifilmfest.com.

The seventh edition of Dubai International Film Festival 2010, is held until Dec. 19 in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The event is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com