Production on Aflam Qaseera begins

Abu Dhabi Film Commission announced the start of production for the six winners of the Aflam Qaseera (“Short Film”) Production Fund, a competition designed to promote emerging writers, directors and UAE based production companies in creating short films for international screenings and eventual broadcast.

The filmmakers whose films were selected for development are: Hamad Mansoor Alawar (Daddy’s Abc), Jac Mulder (A Genie Called Gin), Mohamed Youssouf (Visa Run), Mohammed Al Otaiba (The Orphanage), Nizar Sfair (The Tooth Of Hope), Sana Bagersh (The Journey).

Each filmmaker will receive up to 100,000 AED in production funding. The films, which are 5 – 12 minutes in length, in English and Arabic and a mix of genres, were selected from a field of more than 90 candidates. Abu Dhabi Film Commission will work closely with the filmmakers to see the project through production and distribution. Aflam Qaseera is one of a number of efforts to support short film production in Abu Dhabi undertaken by the Film Commission, which also showcased 8 short films made in the UAE at the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival Marché du Film in May of this year.

When asked how did he find out about the programme and his feeling towards having his film made in Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Al Otaiba said, “The Film Commission has been my first stop to learn about the industry here, and so far, it has been a fantastic journey. I must say that I am excited to be part of Aflam Qaseera. The film commission’s mentorship and expertise were extremely valuable in honing the skills of storytelling.”

Sana Bagersh the only female writer in Aflam Qaseera said, “I’m really excited about the opportunity presented to me by Aflam Qaseera; very rarely does a writer have a chance to see his or her words translated into a visual medium. While it is true that not all written words lend themselves to motion pictures, I believe that there are some with a lyrical and emotive quality that can be transposed onto a cinema screen. I do hope that The Journey is one of those stories.”

With all excitement to be the first project to start production as part of Aflam Qaseera, Jac Mulder said, “The Film Commission in Abu Dhabi saw an opportunity of developing within the country and all citizens were offered a wonderful experience to tell the story from here! When a short story pulls in talent from L.A. and a city like Abu Dhabi (or the UAE) it embraces all film-makers then we have a beautiful film future!”

Mohammed Youssouf who is keep to put a smile on everyone’s face commented, “I am a story teller and this is a great chance to tell my story on film. I am thankful for the opportunity.”

Emphasising on the responsibility to make the best out of this programme, Nizar Sfair said, ” It is a great honor to be part of this project and we have a responsibility to make a great film. We all need to work together to create the maximum exposure for our films with the help of the Film Commission.”

Hammad Alawar commented on his story” This short film is dear to me because it reflects a lot of the fear fathers might come across, the troubles of changing diapers or feeding the baby all seem like a nightmare to any father!”

“Working with the Film Commission pushes you to create the best filmmaking art piece because of the ambitions and professional manner in which their team works according to. I sincerely believe this film will be a great success and an animated short film that people will come to love andadmire no matter where they’re from.” Added Alawar “Short films are not just important calling cards for filmmakers, they also provide valuable experience for local production crews. By teaming up the Aflam Qaseera film makers with UAE production companies, we are also creating more local filming activity, which is contributing to Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global production center.” Said David Shepheard, Director of Abu Dhabi Film Commission.

For more information about Aflam Qaseera and the Film Commission visit: www.film.gov.ae