Where Stories Come Alive
Celebrating the voices of cinema and world storytelling.
Championing Visionary Filmmakers
Cinema Without Borders
Dana Film Festival is an international film festival held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 19 to 23 March 2027. It is built on one conviction: the next generation of cinema is being made in this region right now, and it deserves a stage that takes it seriously.
Films are submitted across 14 categories and compete for 34 awards spanning format, craft, performance and impact, culminating in THE Dana, the Grand Jury Prize. Alongside the competition, Dana Market brings project pitches, co-production meetings and distributor access to the filmmakers of this region.
Shorts compete alongside features. First-time directors are judged on the same terms as established names. Films made with AI tools have their own competition rather than an asterisk.
Submissions are open worldwide through FilmFreeway, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, Movibeta, Click for Festivals, Reelport, WFCN and the festival's own portal.
Global Vision
Connecting filmmakers across borders, celebrating diverse perspectives and universal stories.
Innovation
Embracing new technologies and storytelling formats that push the boundaries of cinema.
Artistic Excellence
Honoring the craft of filmmaking with rigorous curation and prestigious recognition.
Community
Building lasting connections between creators, industry leaders, and cinema enthusiasts.
Launching in 2027
Dana is UAE's newest platform for world cinema, built from day one for global reach.
Inaugural Edition
Submission Categories
Awards
Your Film Deserves This Stage
World-Class Venues
Screen at UAE's most prestigious venues including UAE Opera and premium cinemas.
Global Exposure
Reach international press, distributors, and audiences from around the world.
Prestigious Recognition
Compete for 34 awards judged by industry legends and acclaimed filmmakers.