The festival highlighted Abu Dhabi's growing prominence as a global content hub, with substantial support from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Creative Lab.
Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning influence in the global film industry took centre stage as the inaugural I-Film Festival (IFF) concluded at the Yas Creative Hub. The event brought together professionals, emerging talents, and enthusiasts, underscoring the Emirate’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the creative industries ecosystem.
Organised with significant contributions from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and Creative Lab (CL), the festival showcased Abu Dhabi’s evolving status as a global content hub. Mohammed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority, and Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, highlighted the city’s advanced infrastructure and attractive financial incentives available to filmmakers and content creators worldwide.
Khalid Khouri, Director of Talent Development at the Creative Media Authority, lauded the festival’s impact on talent growth. Khouri said: “The level of engagement and enthusiasm we’ve seen from emerging talents at the IFF has been remarkable. It underscores Abu Dhabi’s capability to cultivate creative careers and establish meaningful industry partnerships.”
Saravana Prasad, Founder of the Innovative Group, added: “The I-Film Festival is more than an event; it’s a catalyst for creative innovation and talent development in the region. We are immensely proud of the collaborative spirit and the breakthrough achievements of this inaugural festival. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for the film industry in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
Leading workshops by renowned industry figures such as Cinematographer MR. Rathnavelu, Manoj Paramahamsa, and Sound Designer Resul Pookutty emphasised the crucial role of storytelling in film, providing attendees with invaluable insights into the cinematic arts.
The success of the I-Film Festival reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s commitment to creating a thriving environment for the creative industries, solidifying the Emirate’s position as a leading global destination for film and media.
