Announcement
December 1, 2024
DANA 2027 Announces Official Call for Entries
Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their works for the much-anticipated return of UAE International Film Festival.
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March 19–23, 2027•UAE
DANAFilm Festival
Raw. Real. Reel.
Festival Opens In
00
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
00
Seconds
60
Films
100+
Countries
5
Days
What Awaits You
Festival Sections
Gulf Cinema Competition
Celebrating the best narratives from the Gulf region across fiction, documentary, and experimental film.
Silk Screen
A curated showcase of cinema that bridges cultures and storytelling traditions.
Desert Screen
Outdoor evening screenings under the stars, bringing cinema into the heart of the dunes.
Majlis Cinema
Intimate screenings and conversations focused on independent voices and emerging talent.
DANA Market
Industry marketplace connecting producers, buyers, and financiers in a dynamic networking environment.
New Voices of the Gulf
A spotlight on first-time filmmakers from the Gulf region exploring bold new perspectives.
About the Festival
Where Cinema Meets Culture
DANA brings together the world's most compelling stories — 60 films, 40+ countries, and 5 days of screenings, masterclasses, and industry conversations that celebrate the art of filmmaking in the heart of UAE.
Global Platform
Connect with filmmakers from 100+ countries on the world's stage.
8 Award Categories
Recognition across all genres from features to documentaries.
Industry Networking
Exclusive access to industry leaders, distributors, and investors.
Emerging Talent
Dedicated programs for first-time filmmakers and new voices.
8
Awards
Awards & RecognitionView All 8 Awards
Celebrating Excellence in Cinema
DANA 2027 honors outstanding achievements across 8 awards, recognizing visionary filmmakers, compelling performances, and groundbreaking craft.
THE DANA
The festival's highest honour — open to all films
Best Feature Film
Outstanding achievement in feature fiction filmmaking
Best Short Film
Excellence in short-form cinema
Audience Choice Award
Voted by festival attendees
Call for Entries
Submit Your Masterpiece
Join filmmakers from around the world. Your story deserves to be seen on the global stage of DANA Film Festival.
Submission Deadlines
Early Bird
NOW - Sep 30, 2026
Regular
Oct 1 - Dec 31, 2026
Late
Jan 1 - Feb 28, 2027
Final
Mar 1 - Mar 10, 2027
Why Submit to DANA?
Screen at world-class UAE venues
Global press and industry exposure
Networking with international distributors
Compete for 8 prestigious awards
Submission Fee
AED 299+
Exclusive Membership
Join the DANA Family
Unlock lifetime benefits with DANA membership. Priority access, exclusive events, and a community of passionate filmmakers await you.
10% Annual Discount
Save on every submission, every year
Priority Screening
First access to all festival screenings
Gala Passes
Early access to opening and closing galas
VIP Networking
Exclusive industry mixer events
Lifetime Membership
₹5,00,000
One-time investment. Forever benefits.
Limited Availability
Delegate Passes – Now Available
Be part of the inaugural edition as UAE hosts a new international competitive film festival.
Delegates gain access to screenings, industry panels, curated discussions, networking spaces, and collaborative opportunities designed to open doors and spark partnerships.
🎬
Exclusive Screenings
🎤
Industry Panels
💬
Curated Discussions
✨
Networking Spaces
Partnership Opportunities
Amplify Your Brand on a Global Stage
Align your brand with a worldwide audience of filmmakers, studios, investors, distributors, cultural leaders, and industry influencers.
DANA 2027 delivers concentrated exposure through a single, high-impact festival ecosystem.
"Partner with the people shaping the future of cinema."
Partner With UsSupport the Movement
Supporting Cinema Beyond the Screen
"When stories lead, cultures rise."
Empower the voice. Enable the vision. Shape the future.
DANA 2027 is more than an event—it is a global initiative to protect cinema, nurture creative leadership, and preserve cultural storytelling across generations.
Champion world cinema and independent voices
Safeguard cultural heritage through film
Enable leadership through storytelling
Crowdfunding Goal
AED 2,200,000
(USD 600,000)
Latest Updates
View All NewsFestival News
Jury
November 15, 2024
Jury Selection Process Begins for Feature Film Category
Distinguished filmmakers and industry veterans are being approached to form the prestigious jury panel for DANA 2027.
Read MoreVenue
November 1, 2024
UAE Opera Confirmed as Venue Partner
The iconic UAE Opera will host premiere screenings and the opening gala ceremony for DANA 2027.
Read MoreDANA 2027 marks the foundation of a new cinematic legacy—conceived, curated, and launched in UAE.
A first edition that sets the tone for decades to come.