Abu Dhabi Film Festival

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival, initially known as the Middle East International Film Festival, was a prominent international event that began in 2007 and took place annually every October in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The festival aimed to highlight both regional and international films, attracting renowned filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world. Unfortunately, after eight successful editions, the festival was discontinued in 2015.

The inaugural festival in 2007 was a grand affair, featuring 152 films with 186 screenings spread across five venues in Abu Dhabi. It garnered support from key figures such as H.E. Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazroui and Nashwa Al Ruwaini. To enhance its global presence and align with other top-tier film festivals, it rebranded in 2010 from MEIFF to the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.

Throughout its duration, the festival showcased notable films and documentaries by acclaimed directors such as Susanne Bier, Denis Villeneuve, and Danis Tanović. It also attracted Hollywood attention, premiering major films like "Secretariat" and "Fair Game."

The event was a magnet for celebrities, drawing stars like Michael Greenspan, Uma Thurman, and Adrien Brody. Media outlets, including The Guardian, acknowledged the festival's significance in promoting cinema in the region.

One of the festival's highlights was its awards ceremony, where the Black Pearl Awards celebrated excellence in categories such as narrative, documentary, and short films. In 2011, the festival also launched the SANAD development and post-production fund, aimed at supporting Arab filmmakers with financial grants, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.