Seeking apprentices at the DIFF

University students should apply before November 12.
Reema Saffarini reports

If you are looking to be part of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) but have no movies or scripts to show for it, you still have a chance to get in. DIFF is looking for 11 apprentices to work with the programmers and staff during the festival.

The Apprenticeship Programme aims at cultivating the growth of the local film industry and reinforces DIFF's commitment to Arab filmmakers and the Arab film movement.

If you think you can make the cut, here is what you need to do.

Who can apply

• The programme is open to UAE nationals and expatriates.
• Participants will be selected from a pool of university students, local filmmakers and fresh graduates.

The selection process
Applicants will go through a screening process and one-on-one interviews.

How to apply:
Log on to www.dubaifilmfest.com

Job description
As an apprentice, you will be an integral member of the Programming and Guest Relations team. This team is responsible for ensuring all filmmakers are well taken care of by the festival and have a rewarding and beneficial time at DIFF.

From December 1 to 8 (Pre-festival):

• You will be required to attend orientation and training sessions that will provide you with knowledge and an understanding of the operation of the DIFF departments, as well as TECOM and Dubai Studio City.

From December 9 to 17 (During the festival):

Your typical day may include the following:

• Contacting filmmakers to arrange appointments.
  
• Accompanying filmmakers to screenings and other events to ensure the filmmaker's punctual arrival and to connect with the programmers and other theatre staff.
  
• Helping filmmakers to navigate the departments of DIFF; assisting with the setting up of networking opportunities for visiting filmmakers and introducing them to key DIFF staff and departments.
  
• Acting as an ambassador of Dubai's burgeoning film industry by introducing filmmakers to Dubai and informing them of future plans for Dubai in relation to filmmaking.
  
• At the end, you are required to submit a report to the DIFF management about your experiences and what you learnt about film festivals. The report should also include what you think DIFF should be doing to develop and support the growing local film industry and filmmakers.

What an apprentice will do

Work profile

• Apprentices will receive mentoring from senior festival management and administrators on the running of an international film festival.
  
• Apprentices will play an integral role in the Programming and Guest Relations team.
  
• Apprentices will be introduced to the film industry through networking opportunities with regional and international filmmakers, studio executives, film distributors, sales agents, programmers, journalists, publicity agencies and talent agents.
  
• Apprentices will be assigned to specific departments during the festival period in various capacities.
  
• Apprentices will acting as key liaisons between DIFF programmers and the management and help ensure the smooth implementation of the festival's programmes.

Departments you will work for

• Arab Film Competition
• Arabian Nights and Emerging Emaratis
• Café Europe and Insights from Asia
• Contemporary World Cinema
• Operation Cultural Bridge and Panel Discussions
• In Honour of Africa
• Cinema for Children and Destination Documentary
• Cinema from the Subcontinent
• Industry Office: This is a new initiative at DIFF to boost the business side of filmmaking and support international film buyers and sales agents attending the festival.
• Publicity and Protocol Office: To publicise DIFF and promote the individual films and filmmakers who participate in the festival

Important dates

• November 12, 2006: Application deadline
• December 1 to 8: Part-time work (flexible timings, apart from mandatory training sessions on some evenings and the weekend.)
• December 9 to 17: Full-time (There will be no off days during the festival.)