ABU DHABI // Support for Arab filmmakers and locally produced cinema is growing as the country's movie industry expands.
According to Image Nation, an Abu Dhabi company that commissions and produces original films, a support network is now in place to cultivate Arab talent in the industry.
Rami Yasin produced the Emirati-made film Sea Shadow, released in 2011. He spoke at Bopcorn and Sawaleef, a monthly event hosted by Image Nation, designed to help local producers and industry figures network and share ideas.
"During the 80s and 90s, the journey to becoming a filmmaker was lonely and you had to travel abroad to learn about it and access information," he said. "The industry is constantly developing and growing in our region and this means emerging filmmakers have a lot more support in today's world."
Mr Yasin hopes that by continuing to involve as many people as possible, a strong UAE-based movie community can continue to flourish.
"Networking is the ultimate skill a filmmaker can have when looking to fund their films," he said. "Filmmaking is a very hands-on job, and it's crucial to get to know other industry professionals and learn from their experience.
"Events like Bopcorn are a great way to meet and link with other filmmakers, form beneficial alliances and learn various aspects of the industry that you can't read about in a book."
Bopcorn and Sawaleef is open to anyone who has an interest in the film industry, and gives people the chance to speak to experts in the field.
The potential of "crowd-funding" was highlighted at the event, as a way to raise enough money to produce original, local films, without large commercial backers.
Image Nation, an Abu Dhabi Media subsidiary, is now in its second year of operation.
"With access to so many fantastic filmmakers in the UAE, events like Bopcorn and Sawaleef can really make a difference," explained Mohammed Al Otaiba, the head of Image Nation who moderated Monday's events.
"We're so proud to have reached our first year anniversary and we're really looking forward to seeing fresh ideas for the upcoming year."
The next feature film from Image Nation, the horror flick Djinn, is due for release later this year.
