Written by Shona Smith on Sep 23, 2020. Posted in General Interest

Abu Dhabi and Israel announce Film and Television Industry cooperation

The agreement between Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Israel Film Fund has a special focus on promoting tolerance through the medium of film and television production. The partners have agreed on an agenda consisting of four key initiatives: bilateral workshops, training and education, the International Film Lab and a regional film festival.

Several training and development programs for Emirati and Israeli filmmakers in partnership with the Jerusalem Film & Television School TV have been established with the aim of developing and producing Abu Dhabi-Israel film and television co-productions. In partnership with the globally recognised Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film & Television School (JSFS), Emirati students will be selected to study at its Jerusalem campus. In addition, Emirati filmmakers will have representation at the International Film Lab for the first time ever and there are also plans for a regional film festival, to rotate annually between Abu Dhabi and Israel showcasing national productions and co-productions.

HE Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of twofour54 and Image Nation Abu Dhabi (pictured right) said “This agreement strengthens cultural ties between our creative industries as well as supports the development of Abu Dhabi’s film and TV sector through the creation of new opportunities for collaboration that will lead to the development of more quality content underpinned by the UAE’s values of acceptance and respect”.

Future objectives include a bilateral film co-production agreement to facilitate and encourage co-productions between the two countries.

The film commissions will create an intercultural cooperation, creating content with the goal of promoting tolerance, education and developing a deeper cultural understanding between the Emirati and Israeli people.

Mr. Hans Fraikin, the Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner, continued: “We are delighted with this historic cooperation agreement with the Israel Film Fund and the Sam Spiegel Film School. This new partnership between the UAE and Israel will be extremely beneficial for our burgeoning Emirati film and television community by allowing our talented content creators to broaden their landscapes and develop skills from diverse expertise.”

Ms. Dana Blankstein Cohen, Executive Director of JSFS (pictured left), said "We are excited by this historic cooperation between our countries and believe in the power of film and television education to promote creative exchange between our future generations of cultural innovators."