H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Inaugurates Fourth Edition of ‘Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert’ Festival
Dubai, January 5, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), inaugurated the fourth edition of the ‘Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert’ festival, a landmark event held in the Al Marmoom Desert Reserve. The festival aims to advance Dubai’s film industry by fostering creativity, supporting local talent, and showcasing cinematic excellence to global audiences.
Running until January 12 under the theme ‘Where Stories Come to Life,’ the festival features over 80 film screenings, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and talks with directors, artists, and industry experts. Organized under the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, the event highlights Dubai’s commitment to bolstering its creative economy and solidifying its status as a cultural and artistic hub.
Vision for Dubai’s Cultural and Cinematic Landscape
In her address, H.H. Sheikha Latifa highlighted Dubai’s success in attracting leading cinematic talents, supported by world-class infrastructure and a thriving creative environment. She described cinema as a powerful medium for preserving culture, addressing societal aspirations, and inspiring future generations.
“The ‘Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert’ festival is a remarkable addition to Dubai’s artistic and cinematic landscape, celebrating our heritage, culture, and ambitious future aspirations,” said H.H. Sheikha Latifa. She emphasized the festival’s role as a platform for cultural exchange, intellectual dialogue, and the development of emerging talent in the film industry.
Key Highlights of the Festival
The event showcases a curated selection of films from 240 submissions, with notable entries competing in the Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition across categories such as documentaries, animation, live-action, and Artificial Intelligence-created films.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa toured the festival’s attractions, including an Immersive Experience Zone featuring AI-generated digital artworks and installations by artists such as Ghaleb Hawila and Abdullah Lutfi. She also visited workshops and family-friendly activity pavilions and commended the creativity and diversity of participating artists.
The festival’s educational offerings include over 30 workshops led by cinema experts and institutions such as Zayed University. Visitors can engage in interactive experiences like ‘Create Your Own AI Movie’ and enjoy heritage shows, musical performances, and a stargazing session at the planetarium.
Cultural and Environmental Engagement
Reflecting its commitment to cultural authenticity, Dubai Culture has dedicated significant space to traditional crafts and local heritage, complemented by offerings of traditional cuisine. Inspired by the iconic Ghaf tree, the festival promotes intercultural engagement and environmental awareness. Visitors can explore the Al Marmoom Desert through safaris, photography competitions, and more.
The event is supported by a range of partners, including Dubai Police, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Emirates Airlines, and Zayed University, underscoring Dubai’s collaborative efforts to promote creativity and sustainability in the arts.
The ‘Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert’ festival continues to serve as a platform for nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and strengthening Dubai’s global reputation as a cultural and cinematic capital.
📷WAM