Multi-award-winning Egyptian artist Khaled Abol Naga named Canon Middle East ambassador

Partnership launched to support independent filmmakers in the region with access to equipment and digital technology training

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 28 January, 2014: Canon Middle East, the leader in imaging solutions, today announced a partnership with the multi-award-winning Egyptian artist, producer and director, Khaled Abol Naga, naming him as a Canon ambassador for the region.

The initiative further reinforces Canon Middle East's "closer to customers" strategy as it helps strengthen long-term relationships with filmmakers while exercising its corporate social responsibility with the aim of becoming a truly excellent global corporation. The partnership is also in line with Canon Middle East's business strategy of diversification into new business domains such as professional cinematography and to focus on pro-video business in the region.

As a Canon Middle East ambassador, Abol Naga will continue to use Canon digital equipment including the Cinema EOS range for his future films. The technology pioneered by Canon has changed the motion picture industry by making it possible to shoot full HD video even on a tight budget. Canon's cameras have also contributed to greater mobility for filmmakers as the low-light capabilities in the cameras mean that less power and lighting are required.

Anurag Agrawal, Canon Middle East Managing Director, said: "Khaled is a highly accomplished artist who works successfully across media and genres, from TV to movies, and from fiction to documentaries. Canon and Khaled share a passion for using digital technology to unlock a new world of opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and the partnership is a reflection of our aligned values and commitment to the industry. We believe this partnership will be a catalyst for a new burst of creative content to emerge from the region's independent filmmaking industry."

Under the partnership, Canon Middle East will support independent filmmakers through Khaled's initiative, I-Team-Cairo, "the Independent Talents of Egypt and Arab world Model," which focuses on talented filmmakers in the region and provides them with the right training and equipment to pursue their dreams. There will also be a series of educational workshops with Abol Naga to share his expertise and insights about filmmaking techniques and demonstrate the use of Canon technology.

On his appointment as Canon's ambassador, Khaled Abol Naga said: "I believe that the future of the filmmaking industry is set to benefit from young and independent filmmakers who have the right talent and capability to make great movies. The evolution of technology in filmmaking has led to a revolution in the industry. The Canon DSLR cameras provide access to cutting edge technology that is affordable and mobile without compromising on quality.

"With this kind of accessibility, the Arab world is witnessing a huge step forward in filmmaking. Rather than being overwhelmed by the amount of content being produced, previously undiscovered talent and creativity will have the ability to shine and catch the attention of the local and global industry."

Naga's film Microphone directed by Ahmad Abdalla captures the underground art scene in Alexandria and was the first feature to be shot entirely on Canon 7D DSLR Cameras. It won numerous awards including Cairo's CIFF Best Arabic Film Award 2010, Tunisia's J.C.de., Carthage Tanit d'Or Award 2010 and Istanbul's IIFF Best Film Golden Tulip Award 2011. Future projects will see his continued use of Canon DSLR cameras as well as the C300.

Throughout his career as an actor, Khaled Abol Naga has collected numerous 'Best Actor' awards in Egypt, as well as at Arab and international film festivals since 2001. Several of his films have been chosen for international film festivals. Famous for his unexpected yet smart choices of scripts and roles, Abol Naga has a vast and diverse filmography, which has gained unprecedented respect from acclaimed critics and audiences throughout the Arab and international film societies. Abol Naga has also been appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2007.

Canon Middle East:
Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for individuals and businesses. Canon provides both individual products and complete networked technology solutions for information input, management and output. Its product range is divided between Business Solutions (developing IT products, solutions and services for both the office and professional print environments) and Consumer Imaging (photography, video and digital camera, Laser and Inkjet printers). Canon Middle East is the operational headquarters for Canon in this region, and is based in Dubai, UAE. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at: www.canon-me.com

For further information, please contact:
Alice Hart / Ewan Abbasi
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
+9714 4507600
alice.hart@bm.com / Ewan.Abbasi@bm.com