Entertainment
Dubai Culture Launches Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition for Emerging Filmmakers
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the open call for the Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition, a key event within the fourth edition of the Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival. This competition aims to invigorate the local film industry by providing an innovative platform for filmmakers to showcase their talents, exchange experiences, and inspire new talent to enter the field.
The competition is open to emerging filmmakers and creatives from across the globe, with applications accepted from 14 August to 30 September 2024. A specialized committee of experts, directors, and filmmakers will evaluate the submissions, with the finalists announced before the festival takes place at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve from 3 to 12 January 2025.
Competition Categories:
- Documentaries
- Animated Films
- Live-Action Films
- Films Made Using Artificial Intelligence
Submissions will be judged based on quality, content, originality, and adherence to the competition's rules, including a requirement that films must be between 3 and 30 minutes long, and should not have been previously showcased in any local, regional, or global festival or event.
The Al Marmoom festival is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of cinema that includes film screenings, interactive workshops, and talks aimed at fostering the sustainability of the regional film industry. The festival offers a platform for emerging filmmakers to refine their skills, develop their talents, and move towards professional careers in filmmaking.
In its previous edition, the festival screened over 70 films, with 56 short films competing in the Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition. The event also featured talks, workshops, and exhibitions that highlighted the history of cinema.