Lebanese filmmaker Nadeem Mashlawee provided top tips on how to create a successful short film for the festival

Beirut, Lebanon, 14 May 2012: Aspiring Lebanese filmmakers attended exclusive filmmaking workshop hosted by Alaa Karkouti and supported by Lebanese filmmaker Nadeem Mashlawee organised by TROPFEST Arabia in Beirut. The workshops are part of a regional tour across the Middle East and aim to give participants key hints and tips on making a successful short film for inclusion in the second annual TROPFEST Arabia, which will take place in October this year. TROPFEST Arabia Ambassador, Lebanese director Amin Dora and TROPFEST Arabia 2011 finalist, Nadim Laham shared insights on how TROPFEST Arabia impacted their lives and talked to participants about how to create a successful TROPFEST Arabia short film.

During the workshop, Nadeem Mashlawee explained to participants: "TROPFEST Arabia offers regional filmmakers an exciting opportunity to make their voice heard and tell their story. Every creative person is a potential filmmaker, so the most valuable advice I can offer aspiring filmmakers is to continue to educate yourself, read, research and find information that inspires both your script and creation of your film."

TROPFEST Arabia Ambassador Amin Dora continued: "Following my experience making Shankaboot, I firmly believe that anyone with a passion for filmmaking can create a successful film that resonates in the region.  What is unique about TROPFEST Arabia is that all you need is a good idea for a creative short film, it is not about experience or special effects but about telling your story, your way."

As well as outlining the short filmmaking process and exposing participants to past submissions, filmmakers were able to learn more about the TROPFEST signature item (TSI).  Each TROPFEST submission must contain a specific object, known as the TSI, which this year is '2'.  Some films are based around the TSI while others may only have a small or hidden reference to it.  The TSI is designed to test the creativity of the filmmakers and to ensure that the entries are made specifically for TROPFEST Arabia 2012.

TROPFEST Arabia is the only short film festival of its kind in the region and will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE for the second time in October 2012.

-Ends- 

About TROPFEST Arabia
2011 marked the first year that TROPFEST was held in the Arab world. TROPFEST Arabia covers the Middle East and North Africa region and is open to Nationals of Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian territories (the West Bank and Gaza Strip), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. The event is supported by twofour54 Abu Dhabi whose aim is to establish a sustainable Arabic media and entertainment content creation industry.

TROPFEST Arabia's contributes to the development of the Arab film industry by providing an opportunity for the region's filmmakers to bring their short films to the community. As well as a public screening in Abu Dhabi in 2012 as part of the second annual TROPFEST Arabia, shortlisted films will be available for viewing online, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase the talent that exists in the region.

TROPFEST Arabia is an expansion of TROPFEST, which is Australia's most prestigious short film festival and one of its most iconic cultural events. It is also the largest short film festival in the world.

The annual short film competition is open to anyone who wishes to enter - regardless of their background or experience. TROPFEST Arabia films are unique in that they have all been made specifically for TROPFEST Arabia and include the TROPFEST Signature Item (or TSI), which changes each year. The TSI for the first running of TROPFEST Arabia is "2".

For more information please call:
Khalil Hussein
H+K Strategies
khalil.hussein@hkstrategies
00 971 7080122
 

© Press Release 2012