This open call targets all emerging filmmakers and directors, whether working individually or in groups.
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced an open call for submissions to the Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition, a key feature of the upcoming fourth edition of the Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival. This competition is designed to enrich the local film industry, offering a platform for filmmakers to share their experiences, showcase their work and inspire new talent to join the field.
Dubai Culture is inviting emerging filmmakers and creatives from the UAE, the broader region and around the world to submit their works for consideration in the festival’s competition. The submission window is open from August 14 to September 30, 2024. Following this, a specialised committee composed of experts, directors, and filmmakers will review the entries and select the finalists for the festival, which will take place at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve from January 3 to 12, 2025.
The competition is divided into four categories: documentaries, animated films, live-action and films created using artificial intelligence. Films will be evaluated based on quality and content, with the competition targeting emerging filmmakers and directors, whether working individually or as part of a group. Submissions must reflect distinctive ideas, artistic vision and innovation. Additionally, the work must be original, recently produced and not previously showcased in any other festival or event. Films should be between three and 30 minutes long, respectful of public morals, religions and communities, and fully owned by the submitting filmmaker.
The festival, through its official competition, film screenings, interactive workshops and talks, aims to bolster the sustainability of the regional film industry and create an inspiring environment for industry professionals. This event also seeks to provide a rich cultural experience for citizens, residents and visitors, while offering a valuable platform to support the emerging film sector locally and regionally. It enables new talents to showcase their creativity, refine their skills, and progress towards professional careers.
In its third edition, the festival screened over 70 films from Emirati, Gulf, Arab and international filmmakers. The previous Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition featured 56 short films across three categories, with the festival hosting a series of expert-led talks and workshops, as well as exhibitions and artworks inspired by cinema’s history.
