Online Registration Now Open for 13th Dubai International Film Festival

Immersive cinema, exceptional line-up and industry engagement to bring unmatched experience for attendees 

Dubai, UAE, August 15, 2016:  Online registration for the 13th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is now open for industry, students and media. Having cemented its reputation as a leading platform for Arab and global cinema, the Festival returns for 2016 with an unrivalled offering of innovative cinematic experiences, the most anticipated and dynamic line-up of films from around the world and leading industry events. 

New for this year, the Festival will invite cinephiles, industry players and the community to experience the latest in Virtual Reality (VR) from the world’s most exciting creators. A new programme segment and a first of its kind for the region ‘DIFFerent REALITY’, is a curated selection of VR films that will take audiences on an immersive journey. For industry attendees looking to engage in the edge of innovation, the Dubai Film Market will include a packed VR schedule with the chance to hear from the leading and emerging virtual reality creators, experience the latest technology from around the world through a range of interactive installations, meet like-minded creative people and get inspired. 

Shivani Pandya, DIFF Managing Director said: “Over the past 12 years, DIFF has been committed to providing an incomparable experience thanks to a line-up of cinematic gems from around the world as well as the attendance of acclaimed directors, producers and actors to inspire emerging talent in the region. We are especially excited to bring a new experience to audiences with our Virtual Reality line-up. The technology available is reshaping the industry, creating a unique way for audiences to engage with film and we are looking forward to showcasing this new benchmark in filmmaking to the region. No doubt this will be a big attraction for this year’s Festival so we are encouraging all those interested to register early.”

Further engaging with the film industry, the Dubai Film Market (DFM), DIFF’s renowned industry arm, continues to support filmmakers by offering a hub for Arab cinema and broadcast. Bringing together key industry players through a wide variety of initiatives under a single roof, the leading sales and acquisitions platform in the region aims to support and fund projects originating from the Arab region. 

The DFM has various project arms including The Dubai Distribution Programme,   the fifth IWC Filmmaker Award, the post-production and production funding support programme Enjaaz, the region’s co-production market, the Dubai Film Connection and the Forum’s carefully-curated programme of workshops, panel discussions, master classes and case studies.

In 2015, the DFM saw a new level of industry engagement with more than 3,300 industry and media delegates from 62 countries attend the festival. This exciting market place has an increasing demand for stands and representation of sales companies and film commissions, along with a continued high level of service to match. It is the perfect place for industry delegates to pitch new ideas while networking and meeting potential production investors and partners. 

The Festival returns from 7th – 14th December 2016 at Madinat Jumeirah, the home of DIFF. 

Students, media and industry professional planning to attend the DIFF this year are urged to register early.