Rolling Stone Middle East to add new vibe to 8th Dubai International Film Festival

The Middle East edition of international popular culture and music magazine Rolling Stone has joined hands with the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) as a gala sponsor and media partner.

The iconic magazine will bring its 44-year brand equity and a new edge to the eighth edition of the region’s premier film festival, scheduled to take place between December 7 and 14, 2011, and will also play a role in taking DIFF to a wide regional and international music-loving audience. The annual Festival is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

Mahsa Motamedi, DIFF Executive Director of Marketing & Events, said that the partnership extends the Festival’s longstanding work in bridging music and film, its dedication to reflecting popular culture and representing the best of the world.

The Festival’s longstanding ‘Rhythm and Reels’ programme component has featured a variety of live concerts and rockumentaries from across the ages and around the world, including an Egyptian hip-hop and rock band and Mexican traditional group in December 2010.

“Rolling Stone Middle East’s international heritage and unique regional profile complement our vision for the Festival, and we look forward to working closely with them to open our Festival to more diverse audiences in the region and around the world,” she said.

The Rolling Stone Middle East edition is one of several international editions of the U.S.-based magazine.

Waref Hawasli, Managing Partner of HGW Media and Publisher of Rolling Stone Middle East, said: “The Dubai International Film Festival has become synonymous with the region’s burgeoning film industry. As a magazine with a rich history of covering popular culture, Rolling Stone is proud to partner with an institution at the forefront of this exciting expansion.”

DIFF is held in association with Dubai Studio City. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, the home of the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.