Dubai’s Film and Gaming Forum: A New Era for Creativity and Innovation
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the inaugural Film and Gaming Forum is set to take place at the Arab Media Summit 2025. Organized by the Dubai Films and Games Commission, this event promises to be a significant gathering for industry leaders, creatives, and enthusiasts alike, running from May 26 to May 28.
A Haven for Creative Talents
The Forum showcases an incredible lineup of both global and regional organizations. With the focus set on highlighting the burgeoning talent in the creative sector, attendees can expect an engaging atmosphere filled with opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing. This initiative highlights Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global hub for creative excellence in film and gaming.
The Opening Day: Insightful Sessions Await
The first day features a series of high-profile sessions, beginning with a gaming-centered discussion titled The Future of Gaming: From Passion to Profession. This session promises to be a standout, bringing together visionary leaders such as Mohammed Al Albsimi, 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. Moderated by content creator and media personality Jassim Alsheheimi, this session aims to inspire participants about the potential careers in the gaming industry.
Another fascinating session, in collaboration with the Dubai Media Council, will delve into emerging trends reshaping the future of media. Attendees will gain unique insights from various innovators and influencers actively contributing to this dynamic landscape.
Spotlight on Women: Empowering Voices in Film
One of the defining features of the Forum is its emphasis on gender representation in the film industry. A dedicated panel titled Women in Film and Cinema will shine a light on the essential contributions and challenges faced by women in this field. Organized in partnership with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) and Netflix, this session includes curated screenings to celebrate female talent in cinema.
Navigating the Digital Drama Landscape
On the second day, coinciding with the Arab Media Forum, the Forum continues with the session Drama’s Success in the Digital Age, hosted alongside Shahid. This discussion will spotlight prominent figures from the regional drama production industry, including director Mohamed Sami and Tarek Al Ibrahim from MBC1. Moderated by Sarah Dundarawy from Al Arabiya, audiences can look forward to exploring the evolving nature of drama in today’s digital world.
Revitalizing Arab Cinema
In conjunction with Olsberg SPI, another session titled Future of TV and Cinema Production will focus on revitalizing the golden era of Arab cinema and drama. This dialogue will address key challenges the industry faces while exploring new opportunities. The powerful role of these sectors as part of the broader regional soft power strategy will also be a significant focus.
The Emirati Perspective
A special session, Emirati Film Industry: Where is it Heading?, will bring together local filmmakers such as Abdulla Al Kaabi and Nawaf Al Janahi. Moderated by Latifa Khoory from the Dubai Media Council, this session will provide valuable insights into the direction of the Emirati film industry and its future prospects.
Gamification and Beyond
Day two will also include The Business of Gamification, featuring insights from Hideaki Uehara, General Manager of Investment and Business Development at Square Enix. This discussion will cover how gamification principles can be applied across various sectors, enhancing engagement and interaction.
A Celebrity Conversation to Conclude
The final day of the Forum, which aligns with the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, opens with a much-anticipated conversation with Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan. Moderated by Anas Bukhash, this session aims to bridge the worlds of cinema and social media, discussing their intertwined futures.
Examining the Social Media Landscape
Actress Laila Abdallah will lead another significant session titled Beyond the Truth in Social Media, moderated by LBC presenter Rodolph Hilal. This conversation aims to address the challenges and responsibilities that come with the rapidly evolving landscape of social media.
The Importance of Film Festivals
A crucial session titled Your Film at a Festival: What’s Next will feature Dominique Unsworth, CEO of Resource Productions, discussing the significant value of festival participation in elevating cinematic quality. This session, in collaboration with Amazon, will provide aspiring filmmakers with essential insights on navigating festivals.
Public and Private Sectors Unite in Gaming
The Forum wraps up with Video Game Industry: Between the Public and Private Sector. This session includes thought leaders like Rob Otten from Hexagram Rethink Entertainment and Faisal Kazim from the Dubai Future Foundation, moderated by Rashid Al Awar. This discussion will explore collaborative opportunities between public and private sectors in advancing the gaming industry.
This inaugural Film and Gaming Forum not only paves the way for future discussions and collaborations but also serves as a testament to Dubai’s commitment to fostering a thriving creative ecosystem.
