2018 DIFF postponed as film festival goes biennial
The organisers of Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) have announced that they will “be adopting a new strategy to support the growth and evolution of the film and content industries in the region”.
As a result there will be no DIFF in 2018, as the festival begins a biennial cycle from 2019.
Organisers said the shift “aims to embrace the significant changes taking place in the region’s creative and entertainment landscape”.
They added: “The new strategy also seeks to leverage the emergence of exciting new talent and innovative new technologies that are rapidly transforming the content landscape in the region.” The Festival will occur every two years, with the 15th edition confirmed to be hosted in Dubai in 2019.
Jamal Al Sharif, chairman of the Dubai Film and TV Commission, said: “DIFF has established Dubai as a world-class destination in the film and content industry. It serves as a platform to promote cultural understanding between the region and the world, as well as the development of the local and regional film industry, giving the opportunity to many ambitious film makers to shine.
“With the vast changes taking place both in the regional and global movie-making and content industry, we are seeking to redefine the Dubai International Film Festival’s approach towards nurturing growth, creativity and talent. Innovative new approaches and technologies are transforming the distribution of content and the craft of movie-making. As a forward-thinking player in the global film industry, DIFF seeks to embrace the future of the industry through this strategic shift.
“The Festival will continue its significant contribution to the development of the industry, as we look forward to celebrating with the public, film lovers and industry professionals in 2019. We will announce the final dates, details and the new programme as soon as confirmed.”
Dubai International Film Festival has run in the emirate for the past 14 years, with almost 2,000 screenings including 500 films from the Arab world, helped more than 300 films from the region reach completion, facilitated funding and partnership for a further 140, supported more than 200 talented Arab filmmakers through the Festival’s Muhr Awards, and driven tourism across the city.