PRONEWS
DFTC announces new Bollywood initiative for Emirati scriptwriters Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) is inviting Emirati scriptwriters from the UAE and beyond to write for Bollywood. Partnering with some of the biggest Indian film studios, DFTC is launching the Ticket to Bollywood initiative to expand the reach of Emirati talent. The programme builds upon the UAE and India’s long-standing relationship, marked by decades of cultural and social exchange. Candidates 18 years or older can register their interest, experience and portfolio on the DFTC website. Shortlisted applicants will go on to submit a story exploring topics of their choosing within the drama, action, thriller or romance genres. A panel of
Saeed Aljanahi, Director of Operations at DFTC.
experts in the film industry will vet the works before selecting outstanding writers to develop a feature-length script
Pebble expands UAE team to accelerate growth Pebble has added further support and project implementation capacity in the UAE with three key appointments. Ziad Sanbar (r), who has been with Pebble in the UAE since 2011, has now been promoted to Regional Solutions Manager. Belkacem Hennane (l)
joins Pebble as Customer Fulfillment Engineer, having spent the previous 12 years at Tassili Media Production, most recently as Technical Operations Manager. Christian Mesmar (c), a Product Trainer and Customer Fulfillment Engineer, will relocate from Pebble in the UK to the UAE.
for the participating Bollywood studios. Saeed Aljanahi, Director of Operations at DFTC, said: “Bollywood has a special place in the hearts of natives and expats across the region. For decades, Indian culture, from food and fashion to film and song, has interacted with and influenced our own. We are delighted to enrich our relationship with greater cultural and creative engagement. This initiative aims to provide Emirati writers a chance to demonstrate their knowledge and appreciation for the industry with their personal touch, while gaining invaluable experience working alongside established writers and directors from one of the world’s biggest filmmaking industries.”
Red Sea International Film Festival invites entries for second edition The Red Sea International Film Festival has announced that the deadline for receiving films for the second edition from filmmakers in Asia and Africa, including the Arab world, is August 14, 2022. Filmmakers can participate in the Competition and the Red Sea: Shorts Competition categories. Saudi filmmakers can also apply to screen as part of New Saudi/New Cinema. Submissions will be viewed and selected by the festival’s selection committee. The festival aims to promote crosscultural exchange and foster the growth of the Arab film industry, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key contributor to the
international film industry. The films in competition will vie for the Yusr Awards, chosen by an international jury. The Red Sea Golden Yusr for Best Film winner will be awarded $100,000. Cash prizes will also be awarded for Best Director ($30,000), the Red Sea Golden Yusr for Best Short Film ($25,000), the Red Sea Silver Yusr for Short Film ($15,000), and the Red Sea Silver Yusr Jury Prize ($20,000). Prizes will also be awarded for Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, Immersive, Cinematic Contribution and Red Sea: Competition Special Mention. There will also be cash prizes for the Audience Award and Best Saudi Film.
July-August 2022 | www.broadcastprome.com | 5
