This year’s Middle East Film & Comic Con marks the fifth anniversary of the event, which has grown to become a favourite with fans of comic books and genre film and TV.
The three-day event, featuring a host of guests from movies, TV the comics industry and beyond begins tomorrow in Za’abeel Halls 4,5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre, as well as the outdoor festival arena.
Here are some of the key areas and events you won’t want to miss.
Main stage
The main stage is where you will catch the question-and-answer sessions with celebrity guests and exclusive screenings.
The latter includes the world premiere of the final trailer for the Dubai-produced animated film Bilal, which is voiced by an all-star international cast including Ian McShane (Deadwood, Pirates of the Caribbean) andAdewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Game of Thrones, Lost, Suicide Squad), which will be shown at various times over the weekend, and a screening on Friday at 1pm of Saraab, written and produced by Emirati filmmaker Mustafa Abbas and directed by Salma Serry.
Outdoor arena
This is where the party happens, with food and beverage outlets and an outdoor stage playing host to musicians and other guest appearances, as well as the ever-popular cosplay competition.
We can quite happily pass hours there admiring the detailed and extremely impressive costumes, and it is also a great spot to take a rest and refuel after a hectic day comic shopping.
The exhibition
Spread across the sprawling Za’abeel Halls, the exhibition features international comic, video-game and memorabilia dealers, along with the best local artists and comics creators in Artists Alley.
There will also be booths from international big hitters including Nickelodeon, MBC and Sony PlayStation.
You are sure to find something to look at, learn or buy at the hundreds of stands, but do keep an eye on the pennies. Some of those early editions of Marvel and DC favourites come with incredible price tags.
Workshops
There’s always an opportunity to learn a new skill and interact with the professionals at MEFCC.
Highlights this year include: an SFX-make-up session with movie make-up artist Mary Samele; a chance to learn about magic with illusionists The 7th Delusion; a host of drawing and design workshops with professional comic-book artists; and even a voice-acting primer with guest Veronica Taylor (who provided the voices of Ash and May in the classic Pokémon cartoons, and April in the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Access Conference
There is a serious side to the event, too, and the Access Conference returns, from 10am to 5pm on Thursday, April 7. Industry professionals are invited to join the producers of globally successful entertainment properties, including Deadpool co-creator Fabian Niceza, to learn the role that media plays in creating a blockbuster hit online, on-screen and in print.
This event is aimed at industry insiders, and costs Dh180 (with a 50 per cent discount for Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association Members).
Top tips
• We highly recommend buying your tickets in advance – visit www.mefcc.com for details. The queues to get in can be long, and with the event getting busier every year, that is not likely to change this time around. In addition, you'll save a little money, as buying tickets at the venue is a little more expensive.
• It will be a long day, with a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes – and maybe an outfit to change into if you’re planning on dressing up and don’t want to take the bus home in your Batman costume.
• Take money for some food and drink (available on-site at 13 food trucks) to maintain your energy levels.
• A spare phone battery or portable power pack is a good idea, to be sure of keeping in touch with friends – it’s easy to get separated in the crowded halls – and having enough power to grab a selfie with your favourite celebrity guests.
• Parking is available at the venue, but with more than 50,000 visitors expected, spaces cannot be guaranteed, so consider going green and take public transport. Dubai World Trade Centre has its own Metro station, and it is also easy to get there on a bus (for more details, check www.mefcc.com/visit).
• Tickets are available on the website from Dh100 for one day (Dh130 on the door) or Dh250 (Dh300 on the door) for a three-day pass. A VIP pass – which includes a gift bag, entry to an exclusive lounge, priority queuing and seating, discount vouchers and more – costs Dh500 (Dh600 on the door). MEFCC is tomorrow from 2pm to 9pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 10pm. Visit www.mefcc.com/tickets for more details
Read more from our coverage:
Stan Lee and more: The comic-book legends appearing at Comic Con
The celebrities: who's attending Middle East Film & Comic Con?
Back to the beginning: How Middle East Film & Comic Con began
cnewbould@thenational.ae
