The sixth edition of the Al Ain International Film Festival (AIFF) will take place from February 4 to 8, 2024, under the theme "Cinema for the Environ
The sixth edition of the Al Ain International Film Festival (AIFF) will take place from February 4 to 8, 2024, under the theme “Cinema for the Environment.” This year’s festival will feature a curated selection of significant films from the UAE, Gulf region, Arab world, and international cinema, all presented in the city of Al Ain.
The 2024 AIFF edition will not only highlight the cinematic arts through an array of film screenings but also offer a variety of initiatives, programs, and workshops designed to nurture and promote filmmaking talent.
This year’s festival will honor Emirati actor Marie Al Halyan and filmmaker Abdul Hamid Juma for their exceptional contributions to culture and the arts, as well as their influence on the development of the film industry in the region.
A wide range of films will be competing across various categories at AIFF 2024, with special attention given to the “Falcon GCC Feature Film Competition.” Among the films contending for top honors are UAE productions such as “Dalma” by Humaid Al Suwaidi, “Three” by Naila Al Khaja, and “The Caravan Moves On” by Saleh Karama Al Ameri. Also in the running is the Kuwaiti film “The Cocoon,” directed by Ahmed Al Terkait.
The “Falcon Emirati Short Film Competition” will spotlight nine films, including “A Prayer of Hope” by Hamad Al Hammadi, “The Tiger” by Sultan Bin Dafoon, and “Tomorrow’s Dialogue: An Interview with Mr. Plastic” by Yasser Al Neyadi. Meanwhile, the “Falcon GCC Short Film Competition” will feature 11 films, and the “Falcon Resident Film Competition” will showcase 13 outstanding films.
Additionally, the festival will present some of the world’s most acclaimed films, including several Oscar-nominated works, as part of the “Falcon International Feature Film Competition.”
This year’s theme, “Cinema for the Environment,” highlights the vital role of cinema in addressing global environmental challenges. The festival will introduce a special program dedicated to environmental films from local, Arab, and international filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Amer Salmeen Al Murry, President and Artistic Director of AIFF, noted that the festival continues to be a leading platform for both established filmmakers and emerging talents in the region. Building on the success of previous years, AIFF 2024 aims to inspire audiences with diverse programming, including the newly introduced “Green Cinema” initiative, launched in the wake of the UAE’s hosting of COP28. This initiative will feature a selection of long and short documentaries from around the world, focusing on climate change, sustainability, and the preservation of our planet.
As the festival approaches, film enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating several days filled with cinematic experiences that not only entertain but also inspire action for a better, more sustainable future.
Al Ain International Film Festival (AIFF) – Sari Albeder
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