The Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) has announced its second batch of Sanad Fund awards for this year, its fifth anniversary, with nine projects by Arab filmmakers receiving post-production and development grants.
The fund, an integral part of ADFF’s support for Arab films, awards a total of US$500,000 (Dh1.8 million) each year to filmmakers during the development process or post-production.
To date, Sanad has funded more than 100 projects as part of its mission to encourage the development of a filmmaking hub in the UAE and the wider Arab region.
Ali Al Jabri, the director of ADFF, said: “Our commitment towards supporting filmmakers from the region continues through Sanad’s funds and services that take great projects a step further towards establishing their presence in festivals around the world.
“We are confident that this year’s grantees are on par with international standards, and they represent Arab countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia. Many films supported by SANAD have been recognised by leading international film festivals and have won prestigious awards globally.”
Three projects will receive post-production grants: A Maid for Each (Lebanon, France, Norway, UAE) directed by Maher Abi Samra, which received development funding in 2012; Queens of Syria (Lebanon, Jordan, UAE) directed by Yasmin Fedda; and Sounds of the Sea (UAE) directed by Nujoom Al Ghanem, which is a part of this year's ADFF documentary competition, along with Queens of Syria.
Films that receive grants will also be able to take part in the second annual Sanad co-production meetings, where the makers will have the chance to pitch to and network with key industry players. “We are pleased to witness increased participation this year from key industry professionals at our co-production meetings that open the door for Mena filmmakers to connect with international and regional professionals and broaden their horizons,” said Al Jabri. “We look forward to screening grant-winning films following this announcement to showcase the region’s world-class creativity.”
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