The UAE’s premier platform celebrating independent cinema from the Arab world and beyond
Festival Name: DANA Film Festival
Location: United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah)
Festival Date: March 9–23, 2027
About the Festival:In its landmark inaugural edition in 2027, DANA Film Festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and cinema lovers for a vibrant multi-city celebration across the Emirates. With the motto “Raw, Real, Reel,” the festival is dedicated to the art of storytelling. It welcomes stories rooted in humanity, culture, and creative vision, ranging from feature films and documentaries to short films and experimental works. Festival events include official screenings, industry panels, filmmaker Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities between regional talent and international industry professionals.
Awards & Categories:Entries will be judged based on creativity and quality. Awards will be presented in the following categories:
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Documentary
- Best Arab Film
- Best Director
- Best Screenplay
- Jury Special Mention
- Audience Choice Award
All winners will receive the official DANA Film Festival laurel for promotional use and will be featured on the festival’s official website and social media platforms.
Eligible Genres:Experimental works, feature films, short films, and animation.
Running Time:
- Feature Film: Over 60 minutes
- Short Film: Under 40 minutes
- Documentary, Experimental, & Animation: No time restrictions
Production Year:Completed after January 1, 2023.
Language & Subtitles:All non-English language works must include English subtitles.
Submission Deadline:November 30, 2026.
Terms & Conditions:
- Filmmakers of all nationalities and languages are welcome to submit. Works in progress are not accepted; submissions must be finished films.
- Films previously screened at DANA Film Festival are not eligible for resubmission.
- All content must comply with UAE media laws and cultural standards. Films containing explicit content, hate speech, or content violating UAE regulations will be disqualified without a refund.
- By submitting, filmmakers grant DANA Film Festival the non-exclusive right to screen their film during the festival period. The festival does not acquire any distribution rights.
- Selected filmmakers are responsible for providing a final screener file, press kit, and film stills upon request.
- All selection decisions made by the programming committee are final, and the festival will not enter into correspondence regarding programming choices.
- Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
- Selected filmmakers must confirm their participation within 7 days of notification.
