Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has announced their 2013 dates and revealed figures of “its most successful edition” to date.
The 10th anniversary edition will take place from Dec 6-14, 2013.
Last year’s festival boasted a 35% increase in public admissions with 52,000 tickets issued over eight days and included 158 films with 49 world premieres and 15 international premieres. A record number of 2,100 films were submitted from 115 countries. Over 75 Arab films, shorts and documentaries were also showcased.
The event also saw a 50% boost in student attendance; a 100% rise to visits of their new website and 950% on mobile devices.
The festival was attended by 1,700 industry delegates and 1,300 accredited media from 90 countries.
“It is thrilling to see our industry initiatives and awards assisting the creation of the filmmakers of the future and the thriving Arab film industry making a true impact on the international festival circuit,” said DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma.
2012’s DIFF also held the Middle East premiere of Life of Pi, attended by the film’s cast. Other celebrity guests included Academy Award winners Cate Blanchett, Kevin Spacey and Colin Firth.
Since its inaugural edition in 2004, DIFF has emerged as the leading film festival in the region, providing a platform to promote Arab film and talent to the world. In 2012, the festival awarded more than $600,000 to filmmakers from the UAE, the Arab world, Asia and Africa through its Muhr Awards.
In addition, $110,000 was distributed in co-production support through the Dubai Film Connection.
Dubai Filmmart, the Festival’s trade and distribution platform, hosted 330 films for potential buyers from across the world. Enjaaz, the Festival’s post-production support programme, announced 13 additional films from the Arab world to receive up to $100,000 each towards helping filmmakers complete their projects.
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