The second Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival

The second 'Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert' festival, which took place at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and concluded today, December 11, showcased a diverse and culturally rich spectrum of Arab stories through the films screened.

Organised by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the festival renews the hopes of filmmakers for a promising future for the film industry in Dubai and the UAE, as it is one of the tributaries of Dubai's creative economy.

Dubai Culture launched the'Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert' festival in 2020, providing the community with an innovative cinematic experience in the open air within a unique, educational family atmosphere.

This year's edition enabled the audience and film enthusiasts to delve into the region's rich history, long-standing traditions, and contemporary vibes, and showcased nostalgic issues related to identity and offered eloquent insights that reflect the remarkable diversity of the Arab culture.

The festival was held in partnership with several public and private entities in Dubai: the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the Department of Economy and Tourism, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the Ministry of Education, Emirates Airline, Careem, Meraas, The American University in Dubai,'Proudly from Dubai,' an initiative of Brand Dubai, Trust Your Water, VOX Cinemas, Weyyak, Zayed University, Nikon, Raindance, Project You, New Media Academy, GTV, and Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

Shaikh Maktoum Marwan Al Maktoum, Project Manager of the'Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert' festival and Senior Officer in the Projects & Events Department at Dubai Culture, said, "The films showcased at the second edition of the festival were diverse and highlighted societal issues. The stories allowed the audience to learn about our authentic cultural heritage—a heritage that deserves to be shared with the world. The collection of films was a window to innovative narrative experiences. They exhibited our youth's creativity and artistic techniques, highlighting their competence and perspectives."

Over three days, the festival screened 27 films—both feature films and films shortlisted for the Al Marmoom Short Film Competition.