Regional filmmakers Alwiya Al Thani and Rami Yasin are poised to join 14 other filmmakers from around the world in this year’s six-week Global Media Makers residency programme in Hollywood.
Al Thani is an Emirati director and Image Nation Abu Dhabi production manager, while Yasin has produced on a number of Image Nation feature films, including The Worthy and Zinzana.
Now in its second year, Global Media Makers fosters and strengthens creative collaboration among leading US entertainment professionals and international filmmaking talent in a bid to bridge cultures and connect storytellers.
Alwiya and Rami will attend specially tailored mentorships, workshops and masterclasses, and participate in intensive filmmaking labs, from screenwriting to creative producing, to advance projects they are developing with a team of leading American mentors and gain first-hand experience of the global film industry.
Following the programme in LA, mentors and staff will also visit GMM filmmakers in their home countries were they will offer film and media workshops to the local filmmaking communities.
Alwiya, Rami and the other participants will also receive year-long support to develop their projects remotely and will be eligible to apply for Film Independent grants. Global Media Makers is supported through a partnership between Film Independent and the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Commenting on her selection to this year’s Global Media Makers initiative Alwiya said: “Global Media Makers is one more step forward in my development, and this time with an international focus. The experience and the mentoring I receive can only help me grow, and hopefully inspire other Emirati filmmakers or those interested in working in the industry to join it.”
cnewbould@thenational.ae
