Our Story

In the span of few years, the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has established itself as the leading film festival in the region. The event is a testimony to Dubai's passion, creative vision and determination to create world-class results.

Promoting and celebrating cultures from around the world has been a key component in developing the cosmopolitan society that flourishes in Dubai. Embodying this philosophy, DIFF has, since its launch, remained faithful to its core remit of 'Bridging Cultures. Meeting Minds.'

DIFF celebrates excellence in cinema and has succeeded in consistently bringing outstanding films to Dubai and building new international cultural bridges at a time in world history when the need for bridge-building is ever more necessary and important.

I hope our festival continues to make important contributions towards promoting peace and better understanding on the international stage.

The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has played a prominent role in nurturing and developing cinema in the region. The festival is the leading destination for international audiences to discover the finest in Arab filmmaking and also presents an excellent selection of world cinema to its local audiences. DIFF offers a dedicated platform to established and upcoming filmmakers from Asia and Africa to exhibit their works to a wider international audience and approach funding and distribution.

As part of its ongoing commitment to stimulate regional and international film production and trade, DIFF established the Dubai Film Market, a unique platform to raise the visibility of world cinema. DIFF has also pioneered the Dubai Film Connection, a co-production market initiative that aims to elevate the representation of Arab filmmakers and inspire the growth of film production originating from the Arab world.

DIFF has grown in stature and importance with each year, and will remain steadfast to its commitment to present the finest cinema to its ever-increasing multi-ethnic audiences. With its varied film and professional initiatives that aim to enhance the overall industry, DIFF has established its position as the leading film festival in the region.