UAE | Leisure

Stephenson to step down as festival director

The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) yesterday announced the 2007 edition will be held from December 9 - 16.

  • Staff Report
  • Published: 00:00 February 28, 2007
  • Gulf News

  • DIFF Chairman Abdul Hamid Juma (left) and Neil Stephenson.
  • Image Credit: Gulf News Archive

Dubai: The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) yesterday announced the 2007 edition will be held from December 9 - 16.

In its fourth year, the festival will continue to grow under the honorary chairmanship of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group.

The 2006 festival saw its greatest success since its inaugural year to reflect record breaking figures in registration, box office sales and films showcased from around the world.

Festival management announced that Neil Stephenson, CEO and Festival Director will step down from his position to pursue other endeavours.

DIFF Chairman Abdul Hamid Juma will continue to lead DIFF as it evolves and expands its growth and vision as the region's leading international film festival.

One of the most important aspects of DIFF 2006 was the addition of the first competitive section in the festival, the Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema.

A purse of over Dh1 million in prize money was granted in total to the winners, reinforcing DIFF's commitment to cultivate growth in local filmmaking and help advance talent in the region internationally.

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