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Seven more films have been added to the Dubai International Film Festival’s Muhr Awards competition.

The annual contest, which has run since 2006, is this year judged by a jury headed by US director Lee Daniels. Earlier this month, 10 films were announced for the competition that rewards filmmakers from the region.

Many of the films are world premieres and supported with post-production through Diff’s Enjaaz programme.

“The programme is full of cinematic experiences introduced in varying styles and perspectives, leading to multiple discoveries that are bound to make a lasting impression in the history of Arab Cinema. The region’s best directors have worked tirelessly on their entries, using their cinematic knowhow and progressively honed skills to produce world-class works of art,” said Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali. “We are proud to announce the second line-up for this year’s Muhr Feature Awards... which will showcase powerful, heart-rending stories from the UAE and the Arab world.”

The films are Gaza-set Sara 2014, by Khalil Al Mozian; Salim Abu Jabal’s Roshmia; Mohammad Rashid Buali’s The Sleeping Tree; Nujoom Al Ganem’s documentary Nearby Sky; Diaries of a Flying Dog directed by Bassem Fayad; Hazem Al Hamwi’s From My Syrian Room; and Trip Along Exodus, by director Hind Shoufani.

Diff runs from December 10-17.