Fujifilm Short Film Competition in Dubai 2026 with Cash Prizes of up to USD 2,000

The Fujifilm Short Film Festival 2026 opens applications for emerging filmmakers from the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. The new edition of the festival will take place in Dubai on December 12 and 13, 2026, organized by Fujifilm Middle East in collaboration with Cinema Akil and Gulf Photo Plus. The festival allows participants to submit short films in the following categories: narrative films, documentary films, student films, and experimental films.

Available Categories

1. Short narrative films.
2. Short documentary films.
3. Student films.
4. Experimental films.

• Selected films will be screened at Cinema Akil in Dubai.
• An opportunity to win cash prizes and photography equipment.
• A prize for each category, including a Fujifilm X-series camera, an XF16–55mm lens, and a cash prize of USD 1,000.
• Best Film Award worth USD 2,000.
• Audience Award worth USD 1,000.
• Possibility for the winning works to continue being screened in artistic cinema events across the region.

• The film must not exceed 30 minutes in length.
• The film must have been completed between June 30, 2024, and May 30, 2026.
• The film must have been produced in one of the eligible countries mentioned in the announcement.
• The film must meet the censorship requirements in the UAE.
• A film premiere is not required, and no exclusivity is needed.
• The film must not contain nudity, excessive violence, or direct political messages.
• The student category is open to films made by school or university students up to the age of 21.

See also: Various and Outstanding International Awards and Competitions 

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