The market reveals distribution deals worth $2m (AED7.3m) following its 2009 edition, including Shoreline’s acquisition of City Of Life.

The Dubai Film Market has announced that distribution deals worth a combined $2m (AED7.3m) resulted from its 2009 edition, including the acquisition by Shoreline Entertainment of international rights to Emirati production City Of Life.

The US-based sales agent finalised a deal this week for all rights outside India and Arab territories to the film, directed and produced by Ali Mostafa, following negotiations which started at Dubai Film Market last year. The film was also sold to Gulf Films and Filmworks for theatrical distribution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
 
Running alongside the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), the market comprises an online trading platform, Cinetech, and Market Lounge. At its second edition in December 2009 it held more than 3,352 screenings for more than 210 industry professionals.
 
“The overwhelming participation of international buyers representing leading film markets and television channels has provided the selected projects an unprecedented global outreach,” said Dubai Film Market director Ziad Yaghi.
 
Among other key deals at the 2009 edition, Teleview and Vintage Films’ acquired Middle East rights to a package of films from Wild Bunch including Largo Winch 2, The Killer Inside Me and Burnt By The Sun 2: Exodus, while Canada’s Mongrel Media bought two films, Picture Me and Women Without Men, from Strand Releasing.
 
The third edition of the Dubai Film Market will take place during DIFF 2010 to be held from December 12-19, 2010.