Image Nation has launched a new workshop and competition to help documentarians develop their skills in non-fiction filmmaking.
Split into three specialised phases, the 15-week programme, which began this month, was created specifically for documentaries.
Created in association with twofour54 and Anasy Media Productions, the programme includes practical demonstrations, screenings and roundtable discussions. The course aims to equip students with skills such as research, pre-production, budgeting, writing, interviewing and editing – all necessary tools for producing a documentary film.
The inaugural programme's participants bring a varied level of experience and include two Emirati brothers from Dubai who come from a filmmaking family.
"There's a drought in the UAE in terms of filmmakers, with many productions importing crew from outside the country,” said Khaled bin Sahil, a 19-year-old film production student from Dubai. "Things have already started to change, but as Emiratis, we're hoping to be part of history as we build the UAE's filmmaking reputation.
Mr bin Sahil is attending the programme with his brother Faysal, 21.
Michael Garin, chief executive of Image Nation, said: "Documentaries are an entirely different discipline than traditional films, so we are delighted to have launched the new AFS Documentary programme to give filmmakers even more tools for successful careers.
"The UAE film industry is growing and it's important that we help nurture our future talent to become the great filmmakers of the future.”
Filmmakers will be asked to submit their projects for review at the end of the programme. Finalists will have until the end of the year to create a short documentary, which will be judged by a panel of film industry experts.