ABU DHABI // ImageNation last night celebrated the announcement of its production slate of six Emirati feature films and announced a new internship programme to help to develop filmmaking talent in the UAE. Speaking at a reception at the Shangri-La hotel in Abu Dhabi, Edward Borgerding, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Media Company, which owns both ImageNation and The National, said: "It's an ambitious slate for any production company, but especially for us here in Abu Dhabi. The local film community is only at the beginning of its potential, but we are excited to be part of this."
Further details about the internship programme, which is being launched in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, are expected to be announced today. Last night Mr Borgerding explained that it would be open to "young, local film talent" and that it would be called Al Wahab, which means "talent". The programme will "bring aspiring filmmakers to the offices and sets of some of our international film partners, such as National Geographic Films, Hyde Park and Participant Films," he said. Mohamed Khalaf al Mazrouei, director general of Adach and chairman of ADMC, was among the dignitaries at the reception. He praised ImageNation's efforts.
Last week ImageNation announced its full slate of Emirati feature films. The first into production will be Sea Shadow, a coming-of-age story directed by Nawaf al Janahi, who previously made The Circle, a philosophical thriller. Sea Shadow will be followed by films with the working titles Million's Poet, Djinn, Alaska, Monsoon and Ais and Alishas, all of which are to feature Emirati talent. @EMail:elake@thenational.ae
