In celebration of Emirati cinema…the “I-Film International Festival” kicks off tomorrow in Abu Dhabi
The activities of the “I-Film International Film Festival” will begin tomorrow in the capital, Abu Dhabi, which celebrates Emirati cinema and its makers in its third session. It will be held for 3 days in the Yas Creative District, twofour54 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from April 10 to 12, 2026, presenting a program full of cinematic performances: local, Indian, and Arab. The “Festival” opens with the Emirati film “Bab,” directed by Nayla Al Khaja, and concludes with the Emirati film “Samson of the Arabs,” directed by Nasser Al Dhaheri.
-
In celebration of Emirati cinema…the “I-Film International Festival” kicks off tomorrow in Abu Dhabi
The “Festival” – organized by the “Innovative Film Academy – Abu Dhabi” and supported by Abu Dhabi University and the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute – awards the Lifetime Achievement Award to: Emirati artist Mansour Al Faili, for his long artistic career, and artist Elham Shaheen, in celebration of her ancient cinematic legacy. The Festival also awards an honorary award to Emirati director and producer Nasser Al Dhaheri, in appreciation of his long career and influential cinematic contributions locally and internationally.
-
Director Nayla Al Khaja
At the opening, the “festival” will witness the premiere of the short film “Place U Call Home” and the musical film “Safest Light”, both produced by the “IFA Academy”, “Media Mania”, and made by the academy’s students, in the presence of an elite group of Gulf, Arab and international cinema stars, and a high-level delegation from: the Indian Film Federation (FFI), the Indian Film Producers Association (IMPPA), the South Indian Film Chamber of Industry, and the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. Indian (FIAPF), and (IBPG). As part of its main program, the “Festival” organizes a business forum, designed to facilitate dialogue between investors, producers, Indian artistic bodies, and their Emirati counterparts. These interactions aim to explore opportunities for Indian-Arab co-production, and attract international productions to Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with local production companies in the Emirates.
-
Writer and director Nasser Al Dhaheri
In its third session, the festival’s competitions include: Emirati short films, Arab short films, and international short films. In addition to introducing new competitions, most notably: the Artificial Intelligence (AI) competition, the Creative Minds competition, the Still Stories photography competition, the Rhythm Unleashed review competition, and the Melody Makers music competition.
Sarvana Prasad, Director of the Festival, said: “We are pleased that the third session of the I Film Festival will be launched in Abu Dhabi, the capital of art and creativity, especially as it has become a regional and global center in this industry, and attracts filmmakers from all over the world. To film their cinematic works in its impressive tourist and entertainment locations. We are proud to celebrate in the third edition of the festival Emirati cinema and the achievements it has achieved in the Gulf and internationally.
-
Emirati artist Mansour Al Faili
Prasad explained that the “I Film Festival” this year focuses on joint cinematic productions between the Emirates, India and the Arab world, marking a milestone with the launch of the first Indian-Arab joint production, entitled “Old Buddies”, starring: Mansour Al Faili from the Emirates, and Nasser Mahboob from India. He pointed out the festival’s great interest in developing talent, as the academy trained more than 1,000 students, received 108 short film entries, and 20 films using artificial intelligence techniques in competitions, while seeking to embrace more than 100 young filmmakers. He said: “For the first time, the most prominent production companies in the UAE are joining forces; To support emerging talents and enhance Indian-Arab cooperation. The festival also highlights building networks of relationships to develop the film industry, by organizing a specialized business forum that aims to open horizons of partnerships and new opportunities.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
