Dubai: In the presence of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and other notable figures, the Dubai Media Council announced the return of the Dubai International Film Festival for its 15th edition. The announcement was made during the Arab Media Summit's final day in Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival, which first launched in 2004, will return on 8 December 2027 with a renewed focus on the evolving film industry and Dubai's role in creative production. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, stated that the 15th edition aims to build on the festival's legacy and adapt to regional changes.
Al Marri emphasized that the festival would not only showcase films but also serve as an industry platform connecting filmmakers, producers, talent, and investors. This move aligns with Dubai's media sector evolution, aiming to develop the city's film and production capabilities and foster a competitive creative economy.
She highlighted that the festival would celebrate Middle Eastern cinema, offering a platform for regional stories and voices to reach global audiences. The event will feature outstanding films and engage industry stakeholders in discussions on new projects and collaborations.
Hesham Sultan Al Olama, CEO of the Dubai Films and Games Commission, expressed that the festival would revitalize the film industry in Dubai and the region, expanding opportunities for filmmakers. He noted that the Commission would collaborate with partners and the creative community, with more details to be shared soon.