Image Nation Abu Dhabi has announced the return of Arab Film Studio (AFS), its third annual short film competition, in which amateur filmmakers from the region will compete for a Dh50,000 development grant. AFS was launched in conjunction with twofour54 and provides an opportunity for new filmmakers.
Michael Garin, the chief executive of Image Nation (which is owned by Abu Dhabi Media, publisher of The National), says: “Image Nation is committed to developing Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE as a filmmaking hub, seeking to attract local, regional and international film talent and productions. We are excited to see the fresh talent that is uncovered during the competition this year.”
This year’s competition will be open for entries until December 5. Contestants can enter by uploading a one- to three-minute short film to Vimeo, which must include the phrase “Use your imagination”. Submissions can be filmed in any format, on anything from a mobile phone to an HD camera, and can be in English or Arabic. Subtitles are not compulsory.
Up to 12 finalists will be chosen to participate in a three-month multidisciplinary training programme, where they will get to meet leading professionals from the film industry.
After the programme, the contestants will be asked to produce their own short films, which will be judged by a panel of industry experts from around the world.
The Abu Dhabi Film Festival, which runs from Wednesday until November 2, will screen Mr Idea by one of last year’s winners, Belal Anteple.
• For more information, visit www.arabfilmstudio.com. Follow the competition on twitter @ArabFilmStudio or at www.facebook.com/arabfilmstudio
[ artslife@thenational.ae ]
