Abu Dhabi festival aims to raise Arab film profile1 min read
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe Abu Dhabi International Film Festival, which starts Thursday, is offering Arab filmmakers generous financial help while aiming to promote quality movies, a scarcity in the Middle East. The oil-rich emirate launched its annual festival in 2007, competing with that of neighbouring Dubai, the first Gulf city to organise such an event.
The Arab countries combined produce fewer than 20 films considered good enough to be screened at festivals, critics say.”Due to the shortage in quality films, Arab festivals are forced to show the same films, and directors prefer to participate in fewer events and raise more money to produce their films,” said Abdul Fattah.
