Be seen and heard

Despite the opportunities available for women in media-related careers in the region, there is a practical need to provide systemic support.

"There's a serious lack of support in the region for women in entertainment-related professions," says Dedra L. Stevenson, co-chairwoman and co-founder, Women in Film & Television (WIFT).

"Those of us who are out there are isolated. But change is right round the corner."

Documentary Voices, the region's leading documentary-film platform, chose "Focused on Women" as the theme for its fourth year event, held last month in Dubai, because of two reasons. "One is how media, films and documentaries can shape society's perception about pressing issues — in our case women's rights in Middle Eastern countries," explained Mahshid Zamani, founder and managing director, Documentary Voices. "And, on the other hand by providing a platform to young and talented female filmmakers to present their films, encourage and assist them to reach their goals faster."

With an overwhelming response, also from film and art aficionados, 200 university students attended the three-day event held at Ductac.

WIFT, a non-profit organisation, has also launched a UAE chapter, joining 40 other global chapters that represent more than 10,000 members worldwide. Why the UAE and why just women, I ask Michelle Nickleson, co-chairwoman and co-founder of WIFT. "With the entertainment industry getting on its feet in the UAE, we felt that having an established group would enhance the programmes already here," she says. "Traditionally, even in the US, women are not as evenly represented in media as men are. By offering opportunities directly to women members, they have a chance to experience aspects of the industry they may not have, if they are competing with men."

Hailing from various cultural, religious and economic backgrounds, women in the region are a powerhouse of talent. What they need is a platform to flourish. "Creating an all-round strong community through networking and relationship building within the arts-related fields will create a greater knowledge-sharing base that, in turn, will lead to more opportunities," says Alex Liccione, business development manager at Dubomedy, Dubai's Comedy and Urban Arts Hub.

From regular film screenings to script writing workshops, stimulating discussions with industry professionals to tapping the local talent and resource pool, these organisations aim to empower media professionals by providing intellectual and technical support, a pre-requisite to achieving international success.

For producer-director Hana Makki the association with WIFT has already proved to be beneficial. "I joined the facebook site for WIFT UAE and have been overwhelmed with the fantastic connections I have already made. The WIFT noticeboard has helped me with castings, conversations with other members helped me get some great tips on production insurance. They seriously have been a great resource." Not just restricted to UAE, ladies across the MENA region can attend WIFT's activities as "virtual members" with access to lectures published on its secure website.

Media is a powerful tool. This omnipresent multipronged communication giant generates social awareness through channels such as print, radio, the electronic media, and art and entertainment. When women combine their strengths to utilise its enormous potential and execute dynamic media projects, the end result is endowed with a fascinatingly feminine perspective.

— Shahana Raza is a UAE-based freelance writer

Venues and opportunities across the UAE

Documentary Voices offers extraordinary filmmaking workshops that provide a stimulating opportunity to reflect and act. For the next year they will be screening documentaries and short films on women and by women. They will also be inviting filmmakers and analysts to discuss the role and image of women in media and the media's role in reflecting women's image.

WIFT will open doors to prospective members, from January 2012, for an annual fee of Dh365 (Dh200 for students). It will offer members writing workshops, mentorship programmes, movie screenings and a chance to participate in The Legacy Project: a documentary on the lives of elders in the UAE, in honour of the 40th anniversary of the country.

Led by Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE's first female film producer D-SEVEN Motion Pictures plays host to Bloom! Cine Startups promotes independent filmmaking at an affordable cost to first-time filmmakers.

The Scene Club is a non-profit organisation where filmmakers can meet, watch and discuss films.

An Apple-authorised training centre, SAE Institute is one of the largest worldwide private colleges offering courses from 3D animation to digital painting and electronic music production among others.

An accidental "majlis", Promise of a Generation is a Dubai-based NGO created by a couple of young Dubai-based women from across the globe where members can meet and discuss social issues.