BBC Arabic invites film and documentary-makers to submit works to the third BBC Arabic Festival. The work must have been made after January 1, 2015, and shed light on the Arab world today.
Tarik Kafala, Head of BBC Arabic commented that now in its third year, the BBC Arabic festival has successfully brought ground-breaking films to live audiences in London and shown highlights on BBC Arabic TV. Kafala went on to add that the official selection, along with the winner in each category, will be decided by a panel of judges made up of experts and practitioners in the field of journalism and film. They will seek originality, creativity and technical skill.
BBC Arabic Festival 2017 judge, the United Arab Emirates-based columnist Sultan Saood Al-Qassemi pointed out “In the era of short tweets and soundbites, a documentary is an important medium to present subjects in a viable and contextualised manner.”
Pioneering film producer Nadine Toukan, also a judge on the 2017 panel, said “We want to see films that peak curiosity and urge people to form opinions that matter.”
Mr. Kafala said that people of all backgrounds are encouraged to submit a fiction or non-fiction piece, covering unique, under-reported issues. The festival invites works in four categories: short films, short documentaries, feature documentaries, reportage. Two special awards, BBC Arabic Young Journalist Award and the Best Work in Journalism, will be decided by the BBC Arabic editorial team. Full entry details, along with submission forms, terms and conditions, are available on the website.