With 410 attendees, panel discussions and industry leaders in the room, the event was a celebration of creativity, networking and dreams, aligning with the hotel’s We Create Drama vision.
As anticipation builds for We Create Drama, Paramount Hotel Dubai’s upcoming film festival set to launch this March, the hotel has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering emerging filmmaking talent. In partnership with SAE University College, it supported the Black Sheep Film Festival, an annual event spotlighting the exceptional work of SAE’s student filmmakers.
With 410 attendees and a host of industry leaders, The Black Sheep Film Festival served as a dynamic platform for young filmmakers to showcase their work, engage with professionals and gain valuable insights into the cinematic world.
A key highlight of the festival was an engaging panel discussion featuring three prominent Emirati filmmakers—Nayla Al Khaja, Maitha Alawadi and Nawaf Al Janhi—moderated by Razan Takash, Head of Film at SAE and Festival Director. Their discussion offered invaluable perspectives that resonated with both aspiring and established creatives.
The festival also welcomed industry heavyweights such as The Last Mercenary producer Jean-Charles Levy, Blink Studios Co-Owner Nathalie Habib and Goat Life star Rik Aby. Additionally, esteemed media representatives, including Valérie Fouques from the French Embassy and Tara from the US State Department (Abu Dhabi), were in attendance.
To further support rising talent, Advanced Media sponsored prizes for outstanding filmmakers, helping them refine their craft and pursue their cinematic ambitions.
Beyond the glamour, The Black Sheep Film Festival plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of storytellers. This aligns with Paramount Hotel Dubai’s broader vision for We Create Drama, which aims to celebrate emerging talent while providing a launchpad for new and startup filmmakers to showcase their scripts, short films, and creative projects.
