Emerging female filmmakers in the Mena region are getting a chance to hone their skills thanks to a new initiative.
Netflix and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture are partnering up to create a new training programme called Women in Film: Introduction to the Creative Process, which aims to support talented young female filmmakers.
A group of 45 women, who reside in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt, will be chosen to take part in the initiative – presented as a series of workshops over three days in Dubai, Jeddah and Cairo, starting in November.
Participants will be introduced to skills such as scriptwriting and the creative process of filmmaking by already established female directors from the region.
All participants will also be provided with an opportunity to travel to a Netflix European production hub early next year.
“At Netflix, we are passionate about amplifying women’s voices behind the camera. That includes a commitment to authentic storytelling, which is intrinsically linked to developing the region’s talent pipeline,” said Nuha Eltayeb, director of content Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Netflix.
“Afac has been a long-standing partner and has done some incredible work for under-represented voices within the film fraternity in the region. Through this partnership, we are discovering a wealth of promising Arab talent and working to ensure that women are represented both on and off camera.”
Who is the initiative open to?
Any woman aged 21 to 27 who has graduated from film studies and residing in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt can apply. Applications will be open on the Afac website from August 17 until September 8.
An external jury will review applications throughout September, and successful candidates will be notified on October 17.
The new partnership follows on from Netflix and Afac's Because She Created programme last year – a $250,000 grant for female producers and directors in the region.
“Throughout our 16 years in operation, we have been committed to supporting bold creative voices of women and men artists, who are trying to push boundaries and challenge status-quos,” said Rima Mismar, executive director at Afac.
“In film specifically, 44 per cent of supported films to date are by women filmmakers. Through this renewed partnership with Netflix, we build on that commitment, extending our technical support to emerging women talents and allowing for a deeper understanding of the inequities and inequalities that women are subjected to in the film industry.”
More information is available at www.arabculturefund.org
Company%20Profile
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
ARM%20IPO%20DETAILS
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Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 265hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,800-4,500rpm
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Top speed: 232kph
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Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
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Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
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Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Sector: Entertainment
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Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure
Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers
Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised
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