Dubai Invites Filmmakers to Join Al Marmoom Short-Film Contest

Are you ready to be a part of Dubai’s thriving film scene? Don’t miss your chance to showcase your talent and creativity at Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival!

Have a passion for filmmaking? Or maybe you're curious about how Dubai is becoming a hub for innovative cinema? Then get ready, because Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has just announced the open call for the Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition, part of the highly anticipated fourth Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival!

What’s Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert All About?

Never heard of the Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival? You're in for a treat! This is not your average film fest—it's set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, making it a truly one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. Get ready, because the fourth edition is coming up in early January 2025, and it's going to be bigger and better than ever.

This year, the spotlight is on fresh, new voices in the industry, offering an incredible platform for both budding filmmakers and seasoned pros to showcase their work.

Picture this: your film, screened under a sky full of stars, surrounded by the stunning desert landscape, and captivating an audience from around the world. Whether you're an emerging talent or an established name, this festival is your chance to shine in a truly magical setting. Don't miss out on this unforgettable opportunity to be part of something extraordinary!

The Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition: A Gateway for Aspiring Filmmakers

The Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition forms the heart and soul of the festival, molded in the manner to boost local film scenes and give merit to new talent in the international arena. This calls upon Dubai Culture to invite all filmmakers, whether global or local, to submit their short films in competition for prestigious festival awards.

But wait, this isn't about hanging some trophies in a cupboard. This is an avid platform to share your experiences, knowledge, and artistic vision. It is totally about revealing your intelligence and creativity in a friendly and dynamic atmosphere. If you have ever dreamed about breaking into the world of cinema, this could be your Golden Ticket! Do not miss the opportunity, leave a signature with your stories upfront!

A Festival Like No Other: More Than Just Films

Beyond the competition, Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert represents an immersive cultural experience outside of the film world. The ones attending will be promised a full program of film screenings, interactive workshops, and industry talks. It has been designed as a meeting point for filmmakers and enthusiasts where the exchange of ideas and insights will help inspire the next generation of talent.

By itself, the third edition of the festival showcased more than 70 films by Emirati, Gulf, Arab, and international filmmakers, shedding regional and global film attention on it.

Submission Details: Time to Make Your Mark!

Applications are open from August 14 to September 30, 2024, so don’t waste any time! Once submissions close, a specialised panel of expert directors and filmmakers will review the entries, preparing for the announcement of the official competition lineup. And trust us, you’ll want to mark your calendars: The competition will take place from January 3 to 12, 2025, right in the heart of the Al Marmoom Desert.

Categories to Compete In

The competition features four exciting categories to choose from:

1. Documentaries

2. Animated Films

3. Live-Action

4. Films Made Using Artificial Intelligence

All eligible films will be judged based on a set of quality and content criteria, so make sure your work stands out.

What Are the Requirements?

Think you have what it takes to enter? Here's what Dubai Culture is looking for:

  • Originality: The film must be your own work and not previously shown at any festival or event.
  • Length: The short film should be between 3 and 30 minutes long.
  • Content: Make sure the film is respectful—free of offensive material related to public morals, religion, or communities.
  • Ownership: You must have full rights to your film.
  • Innovation: Bring a fresh perspective and a distinctive idea that reflects your artistic vision.

Ready to Submit?

Time is running out, and this is the time to be part of such greatness! Put your thoughts together, polish your scripts, and let your cameras roll. The Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition stands ready as a gateway toward leaving a mark on world cinema while exploring the magic of storytelling. After all, who knows? Your short film could very well be the one that captures the fancy of viewers worldwide!

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