myFILM mySTORY, a non-profit initiative of Katarat Ebdaa and its partners, announced its 2012 winners at an event last week at the Applied Technology High School in Dubai. Young Emirati filmmakers, aged between 13-19, participated in the contest after taking the opportunity to attend a 20-hour film production workshop and producing a 1-2 minute short […]
myFILM mySTORY, a non-profit initiative of Katarat Ebdaa and its partners, announced its 2012 winners at an event last week at the Applied Technology High School in Dubai. Young Emirati filmmakers, aged between 13-19, participated in the contest after taking the opportunity to attend a 20-hour film production workshop and producing a 1-2 minute short film.
Emirati female director, Nayla Al Khaja, was guest of honour at the ceremony, and delivered a speech. Al Khaja, named one of the 50 most powerful personalities in Arab cinema, is the first Emirati director and film producer to win the International Prize for Young Entrepreneurs from the British Council.
The winners and runners-up were judged by top directors from Australia, USA, Egypt and UAE. The top prize included sponsorship for a short film production including 30 hours of filming, 30 hours or training and 30 hours of editing worth USD 14,000.
Carl Wiebe, CEO and creative director of KataratEbdaa, said: It is a Katarat Ebdaa initiative to target young adults who may or may not had previous film making experience. The company this year organised the events in five schools targeting more than 70 students in Dubai, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. We are pleased about the results and were keen to see the talents and creativity which came out from the students.
Magy Saeed, director of talent development, said: My belief in local talent and investing in youth is my driving force to be a part of these events. There are many untold stories that need to come to light and reflect their communitys culture to the whole world.
Further sponsorship for the event came from the Higher College of Technology in Dubai, Arab Business Machine, United Broadcast and Media Solutions, Audio Network, Lenny Muthian Photography and Ideascape.
