The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has announced the first seven films shortlisted from the region, which will compete in the Muhr Short Awards segment.
Taking place over the course of the film festival, which runs from December 6 to 13, the category will showcase short films from emerging talent and seasoned filmmakers alike.
Critically acclaimed Palestinian-Danish filmmaker Mahdi Fleifel will be returning to the festival with his latest short A Drowning Man, while Tunisian actress, author and filmmaker Nidhal Guiga will host the world premiere of her short film Astra.
Rakan Mayasi will present his latest short Bonbone, which explores one of many issues facing Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Joining Mayasi is filmmaker Fadi (The Fdz) Baki brings The Last Days of the Man of Tomorrow.
Tunisian filmmaker Abdul Hamid Bouchnak is competing with Le Bonbon, while Jordanian-Palestinian director Yassmina Karajah brings new talent with her short, Rupture. Lebanese filmmaker Marwan Khneisser’s The Servants will also hold its world premiere at this year’s DIFF.
Since its launch in 2006, the Muhr Awards aims to unearth and nurture burgeoning talent from the region. Winners of the ‘Muhr Short’ category will have the opportunity to qualify for consideration for an Academy Award 2019 nomination.
Masoud Amralla, Diff’s Artistic Director, commented: “The Muhr Short category strives to be a catalyst for the growth of the regional film industry.”
