Emirates Film Festival 2026 opens submissions, invites global storytellers

What began 12 years back as a “creative outlet” in the aviation industry has been re-charged and onwards to 2026, “storytellers” worldwide may now partake in that “creative outlet” for the polyphony the UAE has institutionalised, via its National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries of 2021.

Regardless of age and whether a dreamer or a revered icon in the global film industry, which the World Intellectual Property Organisation, had projected to “surpass $34 billion, driven by a production rebound” this 2025, applications are now open for the “Emirates Film Festival – EFF 2026.”

“We are placing a special emphasis on stories rooted in the UAE and the Arab World. But, the door is also open to the diversity of voices from Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and beyond,” said Ron Awa on Thursday.

The founder/chairman/chief executive officer of one of the UAE’s pioneering independent film projects, with roots in the Emirates Group, added: “The festival was born from a grassroots movement. It is now ready to take its place on the global stage.”

“We envision a movement where diverse voices can be heard, stories can be celebrated, and new talent can be discovered,” said chief operating officer Amal Bint Mubarak who enunciated the “EFF mission.”

Among the Emiratis immersed in the industry as a filmmaker/actress/producer and the “Dubai Shorts International Festival” creator, Mubarak stressed that the reinvigorated EFF 2026 “carries forward the same spirit of discovery and inclusivity that defined its earlier years.”

According to co-founder/Festival director Leslie Delos Santos-Pableo, they “scaled up the structure” so that aside from the private sector initiative having “a dedicated website with an international submission gateway,” it has a “formal licence” from the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones since August 2025.

“We are positioning the festival as a professional, globally-recognised movement while continuing to champion local talent and embrace those from other regions,” said the photo-journalist/filmmaker.

On that note, Awa, recognised for his passion in photography and cinema within the Filipino Community, encourages submissions, which may either or a combination of drama, comedy, action, thriller and documentary, over www.emiratesfilmfest.com: “The rebrand reflects not only our growth, but also the UAE’s evolving creative industry. It allows us to present a stronger, contemporary, matured avenue. One that resonates with both homegrown talent and international voices, while honouring the festival/s legacy.”

Interjecting that the entries must be maximum 40 minutes long, inclusive of credits, Mubarak, concerning their support of the UAE, becoming an arts & culture/international creative media industry hub, said: “By providing a professional and independent channel in the film industry, we not only showcase Emirati and regional talent but also attract international creators to engage with the UAE’s vibrant cultural landscape.”

“Doing so, we contribute to positioning the nation as a meeting point of stories, innovation, and artistic exchange, an essential step toward the country’s ambition of being recognised worldwide as a home for creativity and cultural dialogue,” Mubarak continued.

On the relevance of the private sector, stirring the general public’s interest in creating independent films, Pableo said: “When businesses take the initiative to support film festivals and creative platforms, it is no longer only about financial backing. They become enablers of culture, storytelling and innovation.”

“In a country like the UAE, where the creative economy is a national priority, private sector participation helps stir public interest and contributes to building a sustainable film culture,” added the Mass Communications graduate from St. Paul’s College of Quezon City in the Philippines, who has ventured as well into media entrepreneurship.

All entries which may have been produced from 2020 but not EFF screened, shall be rigorously selected by a panel of respective industry professionals for the April 2026 showdown.

These must adhere to UAE laws and cultural sensitivities, absent of obscenity, excessive violence, religious disrespect and bigotry. These must be submitted in MP4 digital format through the official website and meet standard screening quality.

The non-English must include English subtitles or an English translation to ensure accessibility for the selection committee and wider audience.