In his keynote, Hashmi will share insights from his career as an independent filmmaker, offering practical advice on creating high-concept short films with limited resources.
HollyShorts Film Festival, the Oscar-qualifying short film festival, has announced that Dubai-based filmmaker Faisal Hashmi will deliver the keynote address at the first-ever HollyShorts Dubai, set to take place from December 12 to 14, 2025, at the Studio One Hotel.
Known for his award-winning short horror and thriller films like Wicken, Sleight and Amber, Hashmi has been a pioneer in establishing genre filmmaking in the Middle East. His work has screened at more than 50 film festivals across the US, Europe and Asia, amassing multiple awards and millions of views online.
The HollyShorts Dubai keynote will feature Hashmi discussing his independent filmmaking process and offering advice to emerging filmmakers. He will highlight his strategies for creating compelling, high-concept short films on a limited budget, as well as providing insights on festival and release strategies. His address is a must-attend event for aspiring writers, directors and independent film enthusiasts.
The inclusion of a celebrated local filmmaker like Hashmi as a keynote speaker emphasises HollyShorts’ mission to connect Hollywood with the Middle Eastern creative community. “I am honoured to have this opportunity to share my journey with fellow filmmakers in my home city,” said Hashmi. “Independent filmmaking is about perseverance and making your stories heard, no matter the obstacles. I look forward to inspiring the next generation of storytellers at this fantastic new festival.”
The inaugural HollyShorts Dubai will bring the Oscar-qualifying film showcase to the Middle East for the first time. The festival will feature a competition for regional and international short films, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for filmmakers, with top winners securing a slot at the 2026 HollyShorts in Hollywood.
The deadline for short film submissions has been extended to November 27, 20205. Filmmakers interested in submitting their latest work can find the submission forms on Film Freeway under HollyShorts Dubai.