UAE short film contest aims to challenge negative stereotypes

Stories about recovering drug addicts, people who have battled disease or mental disorders can be shared in a national short film competition aiming to challenge stereotypes and make our society more inclusive.

DUBAI // Stories about recovering drug addicts and people who have battled disease or mental disorders will be shared in a national short-film competition aiming to challenge stereotypes and make society more inclusive.

The Community Development Authority (CDA) has launched a competition open to all residents between the ages of 19 and 29, on the rights and protection of vulnerable groups to encourage the community to be more accepting.

Applications for the second Human Rights short-film competition opened on Monday and will end on February 1 next year. Winners will be announced in March.

Khaled Al Kamda, the CDA’s director general, said: “These are vulnerable categories in our community who suffer from being marginalised.

“Some do not know their rights so the competition is an opportunity to be introduced to their point of view and raise awareness, even among institutions and authorities, of their responsibilities.”

The first short-film competition organised by the CDA last year was open to university students and focused on a child’s right to education, health care and protection from abuse and promoted the inclusion of children with disabilities.

More than 40 entries addressed subjects such as dyslexia, autism and the effect of violence on children.

Helping families and individuals to cope with addiction, infectious diseases and disability is key to this year’s contest. It also aims to let residents know that they can reach out to the CDA for advice.

“The problem is that many people do not know they should be included in society and employment because the family is shy to highlight the problem and the person may not have found support,” Mr Al Kamda said.

“Sometimes the family may not accept the addict, they need both acceptance and a firm hand. They should not hide this because that does not resolve it. We must make families aware of the signs of addiction. It is a global problem and we are not immune.

“We need to create awareness among authorities, government or private, that these people should be given opportunities to be part of productive society and the workforce.”

The competition also hopes to motivate youth to highlight the rights of the neglected individuals.

“We want to get their minds working on subjects that affect society as a whole,” said Maitha Al Shamsi, chief executive of the CDA’s human rights sector.

“People with disabilities face problems regarding health, education, job opportunities. Addiction is a problem that is increasing and we need to raise awareness so the youth understand the risks.

“People with mental disorders and infectious diseases are rejected and feel shame, so it’s important the community is aware how to support them.”

The films, which must be under five minutes long, have to be submitted in Arabic or in English with Arabic subtitles. Three prizes will be awarded in each category, ranging from Dh15,000 to Dh30,000.

Entries can be submitted to the CDA office or via email. Details are on the CDA website.