DIFF 2009 announces UAE children’s painting competition

12 selected works to feature in DIFF 2010 tabletop calendar
The Dubai International Film Festival, the leading cinema event of the Middle East, Africa and new Asia recently announced its second school painting competition for children under 12. The contest, which focused on Dubai schools in 2008, has been extended to schools across the nation this year.

Children in the age group 5-12 can submit drawings and paintings in any medium, including crayons, watercolors, acrylic and oil paints, through their schools. Entry to the competition is free, and all entries should reflect the theme ‘Children and Film.’ Twelve finalists will feature in the DIFF 2010 tabletop calendar.

Mahsa Motamedi, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship said the annual competition is part of DIFF’s community outreach campaign, aimed at strengthening the involvement of students in the Festival, honoring children’s outlook on cinema and supporting their creativity.

“The response to our inaugural painting competition and the subsequent tabletop calendar was overwhelming. We look forward to continuing this special initiative for our youngest fans well into the future,” she said.

The broad topical framework of the competition is intended to give participants a free hand in explaining what films mean to children and exploring their understanding of the different facets of cinema. The Festival, which includes a dedicated Children’s Cinema section, is keen to give children a stronger role in influencing content created for them.

“DIFF believes quality, engaging content for children is only possible if children participate as active viewers, encouraging filmmakers to direct works that challenge their creativity, stimulate their curiosity and feed their imagination,” Motamedi added.

All entries must reach DIFF offices at Dubai Media City on or before November 1, 2009. Participating schools must certify entries as original works created without assistance. The school with the highest number of entries will receive a DIFF Certificate of Recognition.

The sixth Dubai International Film Festival will be held from December 9 to 16, 2009.

For more information, please contact:
Majid Wasi
Communications Manager
Dubai International Film Festival
Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority
Direct: + 97 14 361 3882
Board: + 97 14 391 33 78
Fax: + 97 14 367 28 92

Mildred Fernandes/Chloe Martinez
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: + 971 4 3344 550
Fax: + 971 4 3344 556
E-mail: m.fernandes@asdaa.com/c.martinez@asdaa.com