The International Showbiz Expo, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, announces a stellar line-up of industry insiders as speakers and panellists.

Abu Dhabi - UAE, 30 September 2014:   The upcoming International Showbiz Expo (ISBE) will be held from 21st – 23rd October, 2014 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event will host key industry leaders, including Cheryl Boone Isaacs, President of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), Edward R. Pressman, globally renowned Hollywood Producer, Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman – Dubai Film and TV Commission, Managing Director – Dubai Studio City, and Dubai Media City, Shaan Shahid, Pakistan’s Leading Actor and Director, and many other industry leaders from around the globe.

The ISBE will feature a series of insightful discussions with leading panellists who will be sharing their knowledge and discussing various aspects of the industry covering topics on Production, Distribution, Financing, and other issues the industry is facing today. There is a complete industry Trade Show covering all sides of the Technical and Non-Technical industry, as well as movie screenings and a handful of must attend social events.

ISBE is proud to announce Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) as the Official Collaborator of the 2014 inaugural event; ADFF will take place immediately after ISBE from 23rd October – 1st November, 2014 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. ADFF, POWERED BY twofour54 was established in 2007 with the aim to create a vibrant film culture throughout the region, and will be a key partner in the joint efforts of recognizing the growing show business and entertainment industry in the region.

ISBE will host Ms Cheryl Boone Isaacs, President of AMPAS as the keynote speaker at the conference outlining key components of the Oscar Academy and how it serves its members, the changes and challenges facing the Academy today.

Jamal Al Sharif and George David, GM of Royal Film Commission - Jordan will lead an in-depth panel discussion on building an entertainment industry in the region. Debbie Stanford Kristiansen, CEO Novo Cinemas and Cameron Mitchell, CEO VOX Cinemas, Majid Al Futtaim will carry out a cinema CEO session moderated by Jeff Scudillo, President of National Association of Concessionaires. Insights of past and present trends in film distribution will also be shared by Selim El Azar, CEO of Gulf Film and Mario G. HADDAD, CEO of EMPIRE International & EMPIRE Gulf L.L.C.

ISBE is honouring the legendary Hollywood independent film producer Edward Pressman (Wall Street, The Crow, Conan) with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the ADFF opening night Ceremony on October 23rd.  With more than 90 diverse motion pictures and 30 years of experience to his credit, the native New Yorker has forged a formidable career of international renown marked by commercial success and originality. Also known for his discovery and nurturing of new directors and writers, Mr Pressman will also be conducting a film master class  for a select audience of new regional producers and directors.

Shaan Shahid, a leading Pakistani actor, model and director who has starred in over 500 movies, will speak on the growth of Pakistani Cinema and potential for co-production opportunities.

The International Showbiz Expo is organised by MCI in association with Xeigeist Entertainment Group and is designed to bring a focus to the entertainment arena in the Middle East and bring together entertainment industry professionals from around the globe for exchanges of ideas and business practices.