Short film competition in UAE offers AED 10,000 prize for best storytelling

The Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) has announced its first-ever short film competition, offering a platform for UAE-based filmmakers to showcase their creativity. With the theme “Strength,” the competition encourages participants to craft compelling stories that highlight resilience and determination.

Aspiring and established filmmakers residing in the UAE are invited to submit their short films, which should be 6 to 8 minutes long and presented in English or Arabic with English subtitles. The competition is open until February 21, with shortlisted entries to be revealed on March 27. Finalists will have their films screened on the Main Stage at MEFCC, taking place from April 18 to 20, 2025, at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. Winners will be announced on April 18, with cash prizes of up to AED 10,000 at stake.

A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate the entries, including Razan Takash, an award-winning filmmaker and Head of Film at SAE University College; Faisal Hashmi, a Dubai-based director known for his horror and thriller shorts; and Waleed Hmidan, a filmmaker, journalist, and comic bookstore owner.

Participants can submit their entries through FilmFreeway, following the detailed guidelines on the MEFCC website. The competition aims to foster storytelling that reflects the diverse cultural landscape of the Middle East while adhering to UAE’s legal and cultural values.

For more details and updates, visit www.mefcc.com or follow @mefcc on social media.