The second edition of the star-studded META Film Festival will take place at VOX Cinemas, Wafi City from November 9-12 and feature red carpet awards ceremony.
Organisers of the META Film Fest have announced that the four-day international motion picture gala will return to Dubai for its second edition from November 9-12. This prestigious international film gala, now in its second year, is renowned for showcasing an impressive array of global films, offering a celebration of cinema that caters to filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie enthusiasts alike.
The festival will once again emphasise the importance of quality content, while also providing workshops and masterclasses tailored for emerging filmmakers. Attendees can look forward to premieres of cutting-edge independent and studio-produced films, all judged by a panel of prestigious industry experts.
META Film Fest has garnered the support of content partners including the Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Papillon Creative, Frontrow Entertainment, and MAD Solutions, along with Festival Partners such as Cinema Akil. The festival is set to bolster Dubai’s Creative Economy and contribute to the UAE’s National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries. The four-day extravaganza will unfold at Vox Cinemas, Wafi City.
Leila Masinaei, Founder of META Film Fest, said: “Following the festival’s hugely successful debut in 2022, this year’s META Film Fest will cement Dubai’s position and capability as a hub for filmmakers and creatives to congregate, share knowledge, and promote their own and their peers’ work. The festival garners immense appreciation from movie enthusiasts and industry professionals, and this year’s edition will see significant growth in both the number and calibre of films being shown.”
META Film Fest maintains an independent, objective approach to its film selection process, ensuring that the best of the regional film industry takes centre stage. Over the course of four days, the festival will screen more than 70 films from over 20 countries, host over 10 workshops, and welcome over 50 global celebrities, as well as an anticipated 15,000 attendees. The lineup of shortlisted films will be revealed in the coming weeks.
At the heart of the festival lies the star-studded red-carpet awards ceremony, set to draw luminaries from the film and entertainment industries, alongside international and regional celebrities. This grand evening, culminating four days of cinematic celebration, will honour exceptional films in multiple categories, recognising the outstanding talent that contributes to the world of cinema.
This year, the awards will encompass 12 categories, spanning feature films, short films, documentaries, debut works, student projects, films with a sustainability focus, and newly introduced special categories to celebrate home-grown UAE talent.
Under the theme of ‘Cinema and Sustainability,’ the festival has partnered with eco-friendly lifestyle and homeware brand Innara as its official Sustainability Sponsor.
The festival is organised by GM Events and held in partnership with Vox Cinemas and Wafi City. Stephanie-Alexandra Chartier, Group Head of Marketing, Wafi Group said the partnership underscores its commitment to fostering the UAE’s creative economy strategy.
“Emphasising local content production, promoting Arabic-language content, and empowering youth in the film industry are crucial aspects we wholeheartedly support,” she added. “Wafi City’s exceptional ambiance and vibrant cultural scene make it a perfect location to celebrate the power of cinema and amplify the voices of emerging talents in this growing festival.”
Sanjay Patney, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, added: “As a long-standing supporter of the regional cinema industry, Vox Cinemas is proud to sponsor the META Film Festival once again. Festivals such as this provide an important platform for filmmakers and key industry stakeholders to connect, share ideas and be inspired as well as enabling established and emerging talent to showcase their creativity on the big screen through the language of film.”
