The Inaugural Film and Gaming Forum: A New Era for Creative Talents in Dubai
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, an exciting chapter in the cultural landscape of the UAE is set to unfold with the inaugural Film and Gaming Forum at the Arab Media Summit 2025. This event, running from May 26-28, is poised to showcase a fascinating blend of film, gaming, and media, while spotlighting the region’s burgeoning creative talents.
A Thrilling Lineup
The Forum promises an impressive lineup of leaders and innovators from both global and regional organizations. Each day will feature a cohesive mix of high-profile sessions aimed at igniting discussions around the future of film and gaming in the Middle East.
Kicking off the first day is a gaming-focused session titled The Future of Gaming: From Passion to Profession. This engaging segment will bring together Mohammed Al Albsimi, Founder and CEO of TrueGaming; Abdullah bin Baz, CEO of Baz Station; and Mona Al Falasi, Director of eSports Strategy at the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. Adding to the excitement, media personality and content creator Jassim Alsheheimi will moderate the session, ensuring that the conversation flows seamlessly.
Exploring Media Trends
Another significant facet of the Forum is a session organized in partnership with the Dubai Media Council, where emerging trends and technologies shaping the future of media will be explored. This session will feature valuable insights from industry innovators, influencers, and key decision-makers, providing a comprehensive view of the media landscape’s evolution.
A particularly noteworthy discussion on Women in Film and Cinema will be co-hosted with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) and Netflix. This panel will underscore female contributions to cinema, complemented by curated screenings under the Women in Film initiative. This highlights a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts.
Drama in the Digital Era
As the Summit makes its way into its second day, the sessions continue to inspire with a focus on digital storytelling. Partnering with Shahid, a session titled Drama’s Success in the Digital Age will feature discussions with key figures like director Mohamed Sami and Tarek Al Ibrahim, General Manager of Content at MBC1 and Shahid. This renowned group will examine how drama production has adapted and thrived in today’s digital climate.
In collaboration with Olsberg SPI, the Forum will also present Future of TV and Cinema Production. This session will dive into the Arab world’s potential to rejuvenate its rich cinematic heritage, addressing challenges and opportunities while positioning the arts as a tool for regional soft power.
Insights from Emirati Filmmakers
Highlighting Emirati talent, a special session titled Emirati Film Industry … Where is it Heading? will include insights from local filmmakers Abdulla Al Kaabi, Nawaf Al Janahi, and Hana Kazim, offering a unique perspective on the future of Emirati cinema. The session, moderated by Latifa Khoory from the Dubai Media Council, aims to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry.
Moreover, attendees can look forward to The Business of Gamification, featuring insights from Hideaki Uehara of Square Enix, and City of Stories, a dialogue with Emirati director Ali Mostafa in conversation with Ahmad Abdullah, Director of Dubai TV.
The Final Day: Star Power and Social Media Insights
The Forum’s final day promises to be as riveting as the previous ones, coinciding with the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit. Audiences will be offered a rare glimpse into Bollywood with a conversation featuring star Saif Ali Khan, moderated by media personality Anas Bukhash. This event emphasizes the crossover between cinema and social media, reflecting the evolving landscape in which these mediums coexist.
A session titled Beyond the Truth in Social Media will feature actress Laila Abdallah, exploring the intricate relationship between social media narratives and reality. Following this will be a high-profile panel of Arab stars, including notable personalities like Ahmed El Sakka, George Khabbaz, and Huda Hussein. This dynamic discussion will be moderated by popular television host Neshan Der Haroutyounian, drawing attention to celebrity influence in the digital age.
Discovering the Value of Film Festivals
To further enrich the experience, the Forum will host Your Film at a Festival … What’s Next, with Dominique Unsworth, CEO of Resource Productions, discussing the critical role that festival participation plays in elevating cinematic quality.
In a fitting finale, the session titled Video Game Industry: Between the Public and Private Sector will tackle important themes surrounding the partnership possibilities in gaming. Featuring industry players such as Rob Otten from Hexagram Rethink Entertainment and Faisal Kazim from the Dubai Future Foundation, this discussion will explore collaborative efforts essential for nurturing the gaming sector’s growth.
The inaugural Film and Gaming Forum is not just an event; it’s a vibrant manifestation of creative synergy and cultural exchange, paving the way for a more dynamic media landscape in Dubai and beyond.
