Explore Films
A globally competitive filming destination backed by world-class infrastructure, regulatory clarity & compelling incentives
Explore Films
If you live in the UAE and have a story to tell, this is for you. Citizens and residents alike. You don't need a production company, a film degree, or a track record. You need your story to be told in less than 5 minutes.
Be part of a first of its kind national short film competition, made for Eid Al Etihad 2026.
Fifty-five years of union. Fifty-five films highlighting our nation’s resilience, strength, unity, tolerance, and development. A nation’s stories in the hands of its own storytellers.
This December, the UAE turns 55. We're marking it the only way that felt right: by asking the people who live here to tell the story themselves.
Four themes to choose from. One open call to the whole nation. And no rule about how you get there. Shoot it on your phone. Bring a full crew. Build it with the newest AI tools. If you have a story that celebrates our triumphs, this is your stage.
Filmmakers, documentary makers, students of all grades, AI creators, animators, photographers turning to motion, screenwriters ready to direct, journalists and storytellers, students, content creators, actors stepping behind the camera, visual artists and designers, and anyone who has never made a film but always wanted to.
Come as you are. Alone or with friends. First-timer or veteran. Phone, cinema camera, or fully AI-generated. Every approach is welcome, and every film is judged on the same thing: how strongly the story is felt.
Best story tellers comes in all ages, so we wont let ago be a barrier to tell your story
The people who stood between us and harm, in uniform and out of it. Tell the story of those who answered the call—on the front line, behind the scenes, or within their own communities. Your film might follow a moment of courage, sacrifice, duty or quiet service, and the people and families who carried its weight.
The many backgrounds, languages, and lives that make one home. Show how people from across the world stood together as one community. Your story could explore an unexpected act of solidarity, a shared fear overcome, or the moment when neighbours, colleagues or strangers discovered that belonging is defined by what we do for one another.
The ordinary moments that carried on, and what they cost to keep. Look closely at the everyday lives that continued through uncertainty: a family at home, a classroom, a hospital shift, a business opening its doors or a journey safely completed. Tell the story behind an ordinary moment—and the courage, care and unseen effort that made it possible.
What we're building next, and who is building it. Imagine what comes after resilience. Your film might follow a young person, a family, an innovator or a community turning experience into purpose. Show how strength becomes progress—and how the future is being built with greater confidence, ambition and unity.
Submissions open soon. Selected films are screened publicly and join a permanent national archive. Winners are chosen by an independent jury, with one award decided by public vote.
This film competition offers valuable awards that celebrate your talent in telling our nation’s story.
Selected films will be part of a public screening ending with the awards. A chance to see your story in the big screen & show-off your story telling skills with your friends & family.
Be the first to know when submissions open.
