Filmmakers, industry veterans to judge flagship Muhr competition

• Oscar-celebrated director Peter Weir to lead distinguished Muhr Arab Features jury at 8th Dubai International Film Festival

Acclaimed film veterans from the United States, Europe and the Arab world including six-time Academy Award nominee director Peter Weir will award some of the top prizes at the 8th Dubai International Film Festival next month.

The December 7 to 14 Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, is home to three prestigious competitions: the Muhr Arab, Muhr Asia Africa and Muhr Emirati, singling out the best short films, documentaries and feature fiction films from each domain.

The juries of distinguished filmmakers, actors and industry veterans, drawn from around the world, will evaluate more than 90 entries shortlisted from over 1,000 submissions, to receive 36 awards and US$600,000 in prize money.

The jury for the Muhr Arab features will be headed by six-time Academy Award nominated director Peter Weir, whose film The Way Back was the red carpet gala in the Cinema of the World segment at DIFF 2010.

The jury members are: award-winning actor Amr Waked, German filmmaker Emily Atef, whose films have received numerous awards in the global festival circuit; critically acclaimed Lebanese filmmaker Ghassan Salhab, and Moroccan film critic Hamid Aidouni.

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director, Dubai International Film Festival, said: “We are honoured to have the support of eminent film personalities from around the world to evaluate the submissions for the Muhr Awards. Their partnership with DIFF is a strong testament to the global credentials of the festival, and its reputation as a sterling showcase of the finest films from the Arab world, Asia and Africa.”

DIFF2011 will screen 171 films from 56 nations representing the best of national, regional and world cinema between December 7 and 14 at the Mall of the Emirates, Madinat Jumeirah and The Walk at JBR.

The DIFF box office will open online on Thursday, November 24 at www.dubaifilmfest.com. Additional information is also available through the Festival’s dedicated customer care number, 363 FILM (3456).

The Investment Corporation of Dubai is the title sponsor of the Dubai International Film Festival. The eighth edition of DIFF is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, home to the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com