DUBAI: The Gulf Film Festival (GFF) yesterday revealed an overwhelming response to its second annual call for submissions, with 63 entries pouring in from Saudi Arabia’s emerging film industry.
The Kingdom’s significant contribution to the festival that celebrates cinematic excellence in the region is complemented by entries from around the GCC and points far and wide, spanning Iran, India, Australia, Canada and Europe.
The number of entries for 2009 represents a 50 percent increase over last year, a sign that GCC filmmakers have taken notice of an excellent opportunity to have their work recognized in a dedicated arena.
Masoud Amralla Al-Ali, festival director for the GFF, said: “We are very pleased with the strong showing of regional talent for this year’s GFF submissions. Submissions from all of the countries in the GCC will provide an interesting cross-section of stories and landscapes for audiences to step into the world of the Gulf and its people.”
“It is clear from the response that there is latent cinema talent in this region, and the GFF is proud to provide an outlet for the passion and energy of Gulf filmmakers. We look forward to showing regional audiences what our emerging cinema talents are capable of.”
A total of 212 films from the GCC countries as well as Yemen and Iraq will be considered for the In Competition segment. The 200 films from abroad will be considered for the Out of Competition segment.
The countries forming nearly half of the submissions toward the In Competition segment were Saudi Arabia, followed by the UAE and Iraq, reflecting growing activity in cinema in those markets.
Saudi Arabia entered 63 films, followed by the UAE with 45, Iraq with 39, Kuwait with 27, Bahrain with 24, Oman with 10, and Yemen with 4. These include films by student filmmakers, emerging talent and established names. The GFF will present three prizes in the categories of feature, shorts and documentary in the Official Competition, and short and documentary in the Students’ Competition. Accredita-tion for media and industry professionals from the UAE and abroad is open through April 9. Registration can be done on the GFF website at www.gulffilmfestival.com
