Sunday, Mar 19, 2017

Submissions have opened for two Arab Film Studio (AFS) contests run by Abu Dhabi-based production house Image Nation.

AFS Documentary and AFS Scriptwriting will accept online submissions from UAE nationals and residents via arabfilmstudio.ae until April 22 and April 30 respectively.

AFS Documentary, now in its fourth edition, involves workshops, mentoring, assignments and the production of a 10-minute short film, which will be judged by a panel of experts.

One winner will go on to internship with Image Nation’s documentary department, which has been behind productions such as He Named Me Malala and Anwar Roma.

“The support from Image Nation post-competition has been second-to-none and they are helping to enter my films into international film festivals which is very exciting,” said Alawi Shareef, winner of the 2015 AFS Documentary.

AFS Scriptwriting, in partnership with the Dubai Film Market (DFM), the industry arm of the Dubai International Film Festival, is a five-month programme. It includes a 3-week intensive workshop that covers everything from conceptualisation and character development.

Participants will write a short film screenplay that will be pitched to industry players at Dubai Film Market. Image Nation Abu Dhabi will produce the winning screenplay with a budget up to Dh100,000.

“Winning this competition is just the beginning for me as I am now turning my script into an actual production,” said Eman Talal Al Sayed, last year’s winner.

Image Nation will also travel around the UAE to let prospective students know about the competitions. Instructors, previous students and special guests will attend.

The roadshow will travel to Knowledge Village in Dubai on March 21 and Creative Lab in Abu Dhabi on March 22 (AFS Documentary) and March 29 (AFS Scriptwriting).

Those interested in attending can RSVP at arabfilmstudio.formstack.com/forms/afs_roadshow2017.

Staff Report

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