Funding initiative comes from SANAD and the Emirates Film Competition (EFC) under the umbrella of ADFF

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF, Oct 13- 22) today announced the launch of SANAD Emarati, a new short-film funding initiative aimed at nurturing Emirati and GCC filmmakers.

Through SANAD Emarati, the EFC will provide year-round support for regional film talents under the auspices of SANAD, ADFF’s development and post-production fund for filmmakers from the Arab world. Apart from funding, professional advice and a chance to present their work at ADFF each October, grantees will have access to SANADLab film workshops.

“The creation of SANAD Emarati is a milestone in our efforts to foster a vibrant local film culture. Apart from grants, SANAD Emarati will provide concrete, meaningful support for each selected project, encouraging filmmakers from the GCC countries to gain experience with different kinds of audiences and take their work to international film festivals and markets. Grantees will benefit from help with publicity, finding further funding opportunities and submitting completed projects to festivals internationally,” said Eissa Saif Rashed Al Mazrouei, director of special projects for ADACH.

The launch of SANAD Emarati coincides with the tenth anniversary of the EFC, which joined the roster of competitions at the ADFF in 2010.

The first deadline for submissions is December 1, 2011.