DIFF announces three “Supported By” sponsors for its 10th edition

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, HIPA and IWC Schaffhausen extend support for Festival's 10th edition

Dubai, September 25, 2013: The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has announced that the Dubai Culture  &  Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate's dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage; the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) and IWC Schaffhausen will continue to support regional filmmaking talent by extending their patronage to the Festival's 10th edition, scheduled to run from December 6 – 14, 2013.

Dubai Culture has supported DIFF since 2009. Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “The UAE has witnessed exceptional growth in filmmaking over the past few years. A number of talented Emiratis have already had the opportunity to showcase their productions to an international audience, highlighting the potential of the country's burgeoning film industry. We are delighted to once again extend our support to DIFF, the unmatched springboard for Arab cinematic talent.”

Ali bin Thalith, the Secretary General of HIPA, said: “HIPA aims to enhance Dubai's art of photography and all other forms of artistic expression. We truly look forward to building upon our partnership with DIFF to strategically position Dubai as the leading hub for artistic excellence worldwide.” Launched in 2011 by His Highness Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, HIPA aims to enhance and maintain the art of photography, while also motivating local talent to be part of activities pertaining to international photography.

Luxury Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has strengthened their partnership with DIFF this year and will come onboard as a ‘Supporting Sponsor' and Official ‘Festival-Time' Partner.
Karoline Huber, Brand Director of IWC Middle East & India, said: “DIFF's growing success year after year proves that there is a wealth of filmmaking talent in the Arab world. We are delighted to offer the IWC Schaffhausen Filmmaker Award again this year to enable Arab filmmakers who have a passion for cinema to showcase their work regionally and internationally.”

Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), said: “We are extremely honoured to receive the support of our esteemed ‘Supported By' sponsors for DIFF's 10th edition. DIFF aims to generate career-defining opportunities for regional talent and attract leading international filmmakers to the region and we sincerely thank our sponsors for helping us move closer to achieving  these objectives.”