Submissions are now closed for the MINI Film Festival 2007, this year’s most anticipated short film festival. Ten finalists will now be selected by a panel of industry experts, with winners announced at an exclusive invitation-only Gala Screening on 29th November 2007.
“Our judges are looking for films with the most compelling and visual story-telling, along with creativity and originality, fitting in with this year’s ‘Incredibly…’ theme,” said Raymond Gedeon, MINI Brand Manager, BMW Group Middle East.
“We are really looking forward to seeing what avid filmmakers across the region have come up with – last year we were amazed at the high-calibre of the entries received, and we’re expecting an even better result this year.”
The official judging panel now has three weeks of deliberation, debate and decision before announcing their chosen films prior to the Gala Screening. Prizes for the competition have been selected with partners in the film industry to help developing talent make their film careers a reality.
First prize is an Apple Mac Pro with 30" Cinema Display screen and Final Cut Studio 5.1 software, while second place winner will receive a professional video camera. A film course at a leading regional film institute is on offer for third place winner and
€ 1000.00 will go to the People's Choice Award winner, which is voted by attendees at the gala screening event via SMS voting.
“We’d like to thank everyone who had the courage to pick up a camera, shoot a short film and send it in,” added Gedeon.
“Our aim in establishing the MINI Film Festival has been to create a platform for regional filmmakers to have their voices heard and encourage the development and growth of their careers in the industry – we wish everyone who entered this year the best of luck.”
The official MINI Film Festival 2007 judging panel are:- Nawaf Al Janhi (Head of Arabic Programming, Dubai International Film Festival; Jamil Abu Wardeh (Head of Original Production, Showtime Network); Arsalan Mohammed (Film Critic, Time Out Dubai); Alaa Karkouti (Film Critic, Emirates Today) plus Wissam Haroun & Dar S Danesh (Founders, eQuinoxe Arabiya).
Biogas and images are available for all judges, and interviews are also available.
