Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The Emirates Film Festival (EFF), the UAE’s first independent film festival, has officially opened its call for submissions for the 2026 season, inviting filmmakers worldwide to submit their short films via emiratesfilmfest.com. With a revitalized identity and a new formal license, the upcoming edition is set to be the festival’s most ambitious yet, highlighting both Emirati voices and international talent. Organizers expect over 1,000 submissions, with finalists to be announced in April 2026 after a rigorous selection process by a panel of respected industry professionals. “The Emirates Film Festival is not just a platform, it's a movement to empower storytelling from the region and beyond,” said Amal Bint Mubarak, COO of EFF. “This year’s campaign reflects our commitment to inclusivity, originality, and positioning the UAE as a global hub for the cinematic arts.” Founder Ronald Awa, who launched the festival in 2013 as a grassroots platform for Emirates Group employees, said that the turning point for the festival came when it started attracting international filmmakers. “My unforgettable experience was when Filipino, Indian, Arab, and European filmmakers began submitting their movies from 2015 onwards. That was the time I realized the Emirates Film Festival is not only for Emirates Group employees but ready for global audiences,” Awa told Expat Media. The 2026 edition will feature three to five nights of film screenings in cinemas across Dubai, followed by gala nights and a red-carpet awards ceremony in mid-April. According to Awa, the team is currently in negotiations with Vox, Roxy, and Star Cinema to host screenings, while also preparing to welcome acclaimed actors and filmmakers from around the world who are expected to attend the festival. “We’re placing a special emphasis on stories rooted in the UAE and the Arab world, but the door is also open to voices from Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and beyond,” Awa said, adding that the festival continues to grow while staying true to its community roots. The rebranded festival will also include media activations and collaborations with cultural partners to amplify its global reach. Organizers promise a vibrant celebration of storytelling that not only showcases emerging and established filmmakers but also solidifies the UAE’s role as a hub for cinematic arts. ICA/PIA/Expat Media
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