Dubai International Film Festival
Celebrating Cinematic Artistry
It is a grand celebration of cinematic artistry, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the globe. Set in the vibrant city of Dubai, this festival aims to showcase outstanding talent and provide a platform for creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.
International Film Showcases
Experience a diverse range of international films, from thought-provoking documentaries to captivating feature films.
Panel Discussions
Engage in insightful panel discussions featuring industry experts and visionaries from the world of cinema.
Masterclasses
Learn from the best in the industry through exclusive masterclasses and workshops.
Red Carpet Events
Witness the glamour and excitement of red carpet events featuring renowned filmmakers and celebrities.
Cultural Exchange
Immerse yourself in a rich cultural exchange as filmmakers and artists from diverse backgrounds come together to share their stories.
Awards Ceremony
Celebrate excellence in filmmaking at the prestigious awards ceremony, honoring the outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.
Awards and Recognition
Monthly Awards
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All Monthly Award Winners will receive laurel and customized certificates and also can claim Trophy.
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We have 2 different kinds of Awards, other than the Winner Award that equally value the art and hard work of all our participants, if selected. Our Jury decides a Winner each month from each category. Winners of the Outstanding Achievement Award and Critics’ Choice Award are then selected based on jury decisions and credibility of the film.
Annual Awards
Each year we select the Best of the Winners from all Monthly Award Winners, Outstanding Achievement Awardees and Critics’ Choice Winners. The Final Award Winners receive the prestigious Annual Award and are screened at a Movie Hall in Dubai in front of a wide film audience.
Rules and Regulations
Films made in languages other than English must have English subtitles otherwise they will be summarily rejected.
A director / producer may submit more than one film.
After a film has been selected, the filmmaker will be notified, and eventually the film will be listed on the DIFF website. The ‘Selected’ status means that you can use the DIFF Laurel on your poster & banners.
“Best of the Best” films will receive prestigious ANNUAL AWARD, Trophy and Certificate.
We require an official trailer or poster, synopsis and a link of your film.
Filmmakers’ film submission fee will not be reimbursed if they decide to withdraw their submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.
The Bearers of
"The Spirit of Positive Change"
The Spirit of Positive Change Award recognizes filmmakers who strive for progression and positive change in the film industry by promoting diversity, highlighting underrepresented voices and challenging stereotypes.
Winning this category ?
Win more than a trophy. Win a voice.
This is not just an award. This is a moment you’ll remember for the rest of your life. You’ve created something that matters.
You moved hearts. Shifted minds.
And now, you deserve to hold a piece of that change in your hands.
Medal of Impact , a name-engraved, limited-edition tribute to storytellers who dare to make a difference.
Not a digital badge. Not just applause. But a real, tangible symbol.
Only 10 Changemakers across the world will receive this physical legacy medal, hand-packed and sent to your doorstep, for $30 worldwide shipping. Each medal comes with a printed certificate, your Festival Loyalty Code for future entries, and a place in our eternal hall of change.
And if you choose to unwrap it on camera, your unboxing moment will be featured in our ‘Faces of Change’ spotlight series—because you are the story now.
But it doesn’t end there.
As a winner, your words matter. You’ll be invited to share a personal filmed interview, amplified across our platforms—so the world hears not just what you made, but why you made it.
We’re not here to hand out trophies. We’re here to honor legacies.
This isn’t just a medal. It’s your proof that art can move the world.
And now, the world will see you for what you are:
A Changemaker. Forever.
