DIFF's Principal Sponsors Reaffirm Committment for Eleventh Edition

Principal sponsors extend support to DIFF’s 11th edition

Dubai, November16th, 2014 –The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) announced today that itsPrincipal Sponsors, Dubai Duty Free, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, have extended their support for DIFF’s 11th edition.

The annual Festival, scheduled to run from December 10 to 17, is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and showcases the best in regional and international cinema.

Abdulhamid Juma, DIFF Chairman, commented: “Our Principal Sponsors have incredible passion to see DIFF continue to expand as a definitive platform for Arab film, a goal that has driven DIFF since its inception. Their invaluable support has enabled the festival to grow year on year and has helped the region’s filmmaking community flourish. We are thankful for their continuous commitment and look forward to another successful year of collaboration.”

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla – Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President – Commercial Operations – Centre, said: “We have seen the Festival grow from strength to strength over the last 11 years, and being a part of this success as a founding sponsor, has been very fulfilling. The Festival is a highlight of Dubai’s cultural calendar, as well as that of the wider region. We share a similar vision with the Festival - at Emirates, we connect people with places and their passions, and the language of cinema is one that cuts across borders and cultures, much in the way that travel does.”

Commenting on Dubai Duty Free’s continued support of DIFF, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman said: “We have seen DIFF develop and extend its reach to an impressive audience over the past 10 years. Now that it enters its second decade, there can only be more good things ahead as DIFF firmly places Dubai on the world map in terms of the film and entertainment industry. I am looking forward Dubai Duty Free’s participation in this year’s event.”

Madinat Jumeirah, the official home of DIFF, is now synonymous with the Festival. Mr. Gerald Lawless, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Dubai International Film Festival back to Madinat Jumeirah. We have hosted the festival since its inception 11 years ago and are proud it has developed into a key event for the Middle East. DIFF brings to Dubai and Madinat Jumeirah acclaimed actors, directors and critics from around the world providing an unrivalled opportunity to showcase our world class facilities and services within the rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality of this vibrant city.”