META film festival will return to Dubai for a second time, showcasing international films for filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie lovers alike.
The annual festival is the first private-sector and industry stakeholder-led film festival in the Middle East and Africa.
META Film Fest is bringing together the best of Hollywood, Bollywood, European, Asian and African films and stars under one roof.
After a successful launch in 2022, META Film Fest will feature workshops and masterclasses, premieres of independent and studio-produced films with a high profile judging panel.
The festival is set to strengthen Dubai’s creative economy and support the UAE’s National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries with the support of different content partners such as the Royal Film Commission – Jordan, Papillon Creative, Frontrow Entertainment, and MAD Solutions, and Festival Partners including Cinema Akil.
Leila Masinaei, Founder of META Film Fest, said: “The festival garners immense appreciation from movie enthusiasts and industry professionals, and this year’s edition will see significant growth in both the number and calibre of films being shown.”
Over the course of four days, it will show more than 70 movies from more than 20 countries, include over 10 workshop and welcome more than 50 global celebrities and 15,000 attendees.
The awards this year will span 12 categories, covering feature films, short films, documentaries, debut works, student projects, films with a sustainability focus, and newly introduced special categories.
Innara, an eco-friendly lifestyle and homeware brand, is the sustainability sponsor at the Film Fest representing the theme for ‘cinema and sustainability’.
The festival is organised by GM Events and held in partnership with VOX Cinemas and Wafi City. Stephanie-Alexandra Chartier, Group Head of Marketing, Wafi Group said the partnership underscores its commitment to fostering the UAE’s creative economy strategy.
“Emphasising local content production, promoting Arabic-language content, and empowering youth in the film industry are crucial aspects we wholeheartedly support,” she added.
“Wafi City’s exceptional ambiance and vibrant cultural scene make it a perfect location to celebrate the power of cinema and amplify the voices of emerging talents in this growing festival.”
Sanjay Patney, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, added: “As a long-standing supporter of the regional cinema industry, VOX Cinemas is proud to sponsor the META Film Festival once again.”
This year’s META Film Festival will take place at VOX Cinemas, Wafi City from November 9-12 and will feature a red carpet awards ceremony.
