Written by on Apr 22, 2010. Posted in Incentive News

Rebranded Abu Dhabi Film Festival launches USD500,000 grant for Arab filmmakers

Arab filmmakers are to be supported by way of a new grant from the rebranded Abu Dhabi Film Festival that will provide USD500,000 every year to encourage production in the Middle East.

The fund has been named Sanad, a word that connotes support in Arabic. Arab filmmakers working on features and feature-length documentaries could be eligible for a development grant of up to USD20,000, while a post-production grant of as much as USD60,000 will also be available. Applications for this year’s fund will be accepted until July 15th 2010.

Peter Scarlet, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, said: “Sanad is a concrete way in which the festival can support the region’s filmmakers in developing their own voices and taking their place in the international film community.”

The festival itself has changed its name from the Middle East International Film Festival in order to reinforce the event’s connection with Abu Dhabi.