Dubai Culture Opens Participation for Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai, UAE — The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has officially opened the call for entries to the Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition, which is part of the fourth edition of the Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival. This competition aims to invigorate the local film industry by providing a dynamic platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and foster new talent in the field.

The competition is open to filmmakers from around the world, with submissions accepted from August 14 to September 30, 2024. A panel of experts, including directors and industry professionals, will review and evaluate the films. The selected entries will compete for awards at the festival, which will take place from January 3 to 12, 2025, at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

This year’s competition includes four categories: documentaries, animated films, live-action films, and films created using artificial intelligence. To qualify, films must be between 3 and 30 minutes in length, must not have been previously shown at any other local, regional, or international festivals, and must be original and free from content that could be deemed offensive to public morals or religious sentiments. Participants must also hold all rights to their films.

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The Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition invites both individual filmmakers and groups to submit their works, with a focus on creativity, innovation, and artistic vision. Dubai Culture’s goal is to support the emerging film sector by offering a platform for new talents to demonstrate their skills and to contribute to the growth of the regional film industry.

In addition to the competition, the festival will feature film screenings, interactive workshops, and discussions designed to inspire and educate both participants and audiences. The third edition of the Al Marmoom festival previously showcased over 70 films from Emirati, Gulf, Arab, and international filmmakers. The last competition received 56 entries across three categories, with a series of talks, workshops, and exhibitions reflecting the rich history of cinema.

Through these efforts, Dubai Culture aims to enhance the film industry’s sustainability in the region and provide an enriching cultural experience for audiences and creators alike, reinforcing Dubai's position as a hub for artistic and creative expression.