Dubai is set to cut the ribbon on a new film festival in October. Conceived by Great Minds Events Management Company, META Film Festival will run three days from October 27 to 29 at Vox Cinema in the emirate’s Nakheel Mall. Dubbing itself as the first private-sector and industry-stakeholder-led film festival in the Middle East and Africa, the gathering wants to be seen as “one of the most diversified audiences present at any festival, with the legendary glitz and glamor of Dubai to accompany.”
With a possibility to still submit your own project, META will also reward movies in seven categories, namely Best Arabic Feature Film, Best International Feature Film, Best Animation Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Short Film, Best Student/Youth Film, and the Film Development Fund award.
“A selection committee will review all the submissions from around the global and the final 30-40 films will make it to the festival. Expect at least four to five blockbusters that will premiere with their stars walking the red carpet, after-parties with talents, and it will all culminate with an awards ceremony honoring the best in cinema.” said Leila Masinaei, managing partner of the Great Minds Group, in a statement.
Also seeking to amplify the region’s own voices and champion its grass root level talents, META will also launch a fund where pre-production ideas can be pitched for an opportunity to obtain financial support, eventually be presented at the festival’s future editions, and receive marketing and worldwide distribution.
