Two budding UAE filmmakers in final of Arab Film Studio contest

The search for the next big film making star is almost over, as the finalists have been announced for this year¿s Arab Film Studio competition.

Emirati Saleh Al Shunnar is among the two filmmakers from the UAE to reach the final of the annual Arab Film Studio competition. The top prize is Dh50,000 filmfund. Pawan Singh / The National

ABU DHABI // Six budding directors have reached the final of a short film contest.

Emirati Saleh Al Shunnar and Allegra Hamilton, an American expatriate living in Dubai, are among those competing for the Dh50,000 film-fund prize in the annual Arab Film Studio competition.

They were chosen after a lengthy process in which they submitted short films - Recycled by Al Shunnar and Longing by Hamilton.

They also embarked on a three-month programme with the Arab Film Studio and took part in a two-week boot camp with industry professionals.

The other finalists are Belal Anteple from Syria, Muneer Al Busaidi from Oman, Mohamed Islem Cherchali from Algeria and Sara Saber from Egypt.

A panel of industry experts, directors, producers and actors will judge each competitor's film.

Al Shunnar, 47, used to work in business development. He was so impressed by the competition he is now certain that his future career will be in filmmaking.

"Most people underestimate how amazing this kind of offering is. The level of training we had was so incredible and entertaining ... I wish more people would submit their movies and become part of this training," he said.

"I have zero background in filmmaking so I would never have gone into this field normally.

"To be given this opportunity and to have it right at our doorstep is amazing, the leadership of this country has given us this incredible opportunity.

"During filming I faced so many problems at every step. These could have stopped my filming potentially and not allowed me to submit my movie but I was energised by this. When you enjoy the problems you know you have found your calling."

Saber's short film, In Her Eyes, focuses on the relationship between a mother and daughter.

"I am over the moon to be shortlisted," she said. "It's been a lot of hard work but I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

"It would be amazing to win but I've learnt so much through the course of three months - that in itself is a reward."

Fatima Al Dhaheri, a university student from Abu Dhabi, won the contest in 2011 when she was 18.

"When I took part in Arab Film Studio I was amazed at how many other young Emiratis shared my passion for film. The competition really encouraged us to cultivate the growing UAE film community," she said.

"Without Arab Film Studio it would not have been possible for me to realise my dreams of becoming a filmmaker. The tools it supplied me with mean I was able to work on a film of my own."

The annual contest is run by the film production company Image Nation and twofour54, the Abu Dhabi media hub.

"The standard of submissions we received this year has exceeded our expectations," said Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of Image Nation. "Each year the quality and quantity of videos we receive succeeds the previous year and is a real testament to the fact that the film community in the Middle East continues to grow."

The winner will be announced on July 1. Along with the Dh50,000 prize to fund a film, the winner will be offered opportunities with Image Nation to enhance their career.