DUBAI, 28 August 2006 — The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) management yesterday announced approximately AED1.2 million ($325,000) in prize money as part of the “Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema” for winning entries in the festival’s new Arab Film Competition.
DIFF is scheduled to run from Dec. 10-17.
Addressing a press conference, the festival management said the term “Muhr,” meaning young horse in Arabic, represents DIFF’s logo. Symbolizing Arabian heritage, “Muhr” also embodies nobility and spirit, and will highlight DIFF as a film festival that is representative of the region.
The Award will honor the work of Arab filmmakers in the feature, documentary and short film categories. The new competition will recognize Arab filmmakers as part of the festival’s overall strategy to develop and support the Arab film industry.
The top prize in the Arab Film Competition for best feature will be AED185,000 ($50,000).
The competition will additionally award UAE filmmakers for the best script in the short film category, and give recognition to an emerging UAE filmmaker as the “most promising filmmaker” for 2006.
Abdulhamid Juma, deputy director general, TECOM said: “DIFF aims to share the creative excellence of Arab filmmakers with its audiences from around the world. The competition will celebrate films that provide an insight into the rich culture and traditions of the Arab world. The Muhr Awards will mark a new milestone in the realm of Arab cinema.”
