Illustrative — 2027 selections to be announced
The inaugural DANA Film Festival gathers filmmakers from every continent in Dubai — a world-class stage where the next generation of great cinema is discovered, celebrated, and connected with the global industry.
Each strand carries its own curatorial slant, with distinct governance and eligibility — from the Gulf Cinema Competition to the governed frontier of Horizon Reel.
Explore the full Programme
The festival's central competitive strand for feature and short films from across the Gulf region.
A curated showcase of cinema that bridges cultures and storytelling traditions.
Outdoor evening screenings staged in the open desert landscape, under the stars.
Intimate screenings paired with conversation, focused on independent voices and emerging talent.
The festival's industry and buyer-facing strand, connecting producers, distributors, and financiers.
A spotlight on first-time filmmakers from the Gulf region.
New for 2027A dedicated competition for AI-assisted and AI-generated film, judged on craft and story, with full tool disclosure and rights verification required for every entry.
Entry requirementsDANA 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.
Connect with filmmakers from 100+ countries on the world's stage.
Recognition across features, craft, performance, and AI-generated film.
Exclusive access to industry leaders, distributors, and investors.
Dedicated programs for first-time filmmakers and new voices.
DANA 2027 honours outstanding achievements across 26 awards, recognising visionary filmmakers, compelling performances, and groundbreaking craft.
The festival's highest honour — open to ALL films across every category
Outstanding achievement in feature-length filmmaking
The Horizon Reel honour — AI-assisted and AI-generated film judged on craft and story, with full tool disclosure and rights verification
Join filmmakers from around the world. Your story deserves to be seen on the global stage of DANA Film Festival.
Unlock lifetime benefits with DANA membership. Priority access, exclusive events, and a community of passionate filmmakers await you.
Save on every submission, every year
First access to all festival screenings
Early access to opening and closing galas
Exclusive industry mixer events
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
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 Us“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 22,000,000
(USD 600,000)
Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev's Minotaur won the Grand Prix, with critics praising it as one of the year's strongest political dramas. The film quickly emerged as an Oscar contender.
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The section received a record 1,050 feature submissions, highlighting the growing number of emerging filmmakers worldwide. The lineup featured productions from China, Yemen, Mexico, Kosovo, Ireland, and France.
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The Academy announced a significant rule change: non-English-language films winning top prizes at major international festivals automatically become eligible for the International Feature Oscar category, strengthening the link between global festivals and the Oscars.
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Critics highlighted the festival's diverse lineup, including VR storytelling, documentaries, political cinema, and Sundance award winners, showing how festivals are expanding beyond traditional filmmaking.
Read more updatesDANA 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.
