• Films should have a duration of 6 to 8 minutes, align with the theme ‘Strength’, and be presented in English or Arabic with English subtitles.
• Deadline for submissions is February 21

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 03, 2025:

The Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC), the first and largest popular culture festival in the region, has announced its inaugural short film competition, focusing on this year’s theme of “Strength”. Celebrating the creative talents and stories in the UAE, the competition provides a unique platform to highlight local talent. Winners will be awarded cash prizes of up to AED 10,000.

The deadline for submissions is February 21 and a list of shortlisted films will be announced on March 27. The winners will be announced on April 18, the first day of MEFCC. Shortlisted films will be showcased on the Main Stage during MEFCC, held from April 18 to 20, 2025, at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi.

Participants can submit their short films through FilmFreeway by following the detailed submission guidelines provided on the MEFCC website. Films should have a duration of 6 to 8 minutes, align with the theme 'Strength,' and be presented in English or Arabic with English subtitles. The competition is exclusive to UAE residents.

This initiative aims to celebrate compelling stories that reflect the rich, diverse cultural tapestry of the Middle East. The competition is open to both aspiring and established filmmakers residing in the UAE. 

This competition encourages creative interpretations that respect local UAE laws and cultural guidelines, aiming to ignite imagination and foster a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking within the community.

The judging panel includes Razan Takash, an award-winning Writer, Director, and Producer with 14+ years of experience, including work on Star Wars: The Force Awakens. She’s the Head of Film at SAE University College and the host of Razz Reviews.

The second judge, Faisal Hashmi is an award-winning Dubai-based film director known for his acclaimed horror and thriller shorts. With 1.5M+ YouTube views and multiple festival awards, he's now working on his feature film debut. Followed by Waleed Hmidan, the third judge who is an award-winning filmmaker who directed/produced several short films screened at local and international film festivals. He is a comic bookstore owner and journalist.