Dubai, 24 August 2014 - The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) announced today that submissions for its 11th edition are now open. Following a successful decennial edition in 2013, DIFF is inviting filmmakers from across the Arab world to participate in its December 10th to 17th festival, which is best known for discovering and showcasing the best of Arab and international cinema.

DIFF is now accepting entries for its flagship Muhr competition for feature fiction and non-fiction; and short films originating from the United Arab Emirates and the Arab world which will compete for the prestigious Muhr Awards.

Since 2006, the Muhr competition has emerged as a definitive platform for Arab film, nurturing and rewarding filmmaking excellence in the Arab world. The competition has helped to raise profiles of award recipients on the international stage. Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad took home the prestigious Muhr award for Best Feature Film for 'Omar' last year which went onto to receive an Oscar nomination.

Complementing the Muhr competition, Muhr Emirati stands out for being the only dedicated competition for cinema and talent from the United Arab Emirates and has grown by 50 percent since last year, reflecting a significant increase in submissions from strong first-time filmmakers.

Each year DIFF presents new and exciting cinema from the Arab world and beyond, introducing audiences to fresh new talent and original, intelligent and distinctive filmmaking.

Narrative features, documentaries and short films directed by a filmmaker of Arab nationality or origin are all eligible for entry, and filmmakers have until September 25th, 2014, to enter their films. Films must have been produced after September 2013.

All festival submissions can be made online via the DIFF website; www.dubaifilmfest.com and houses further information and rules and regulations.

-Ends-

ABOUT DIFF
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is the leading film festival in the region. Since its inception in 2004, the festival has served as an influential platform for Arab filmmakers and talent at an international level, by spearheading the cinema movement in the region. The 11th edition of DIFF will take place from December 10 - 17, 2014.

© Press Release 2014