5 Days of Cinema Magic
March 19-23, 2027 — Screenings, masterclasses, galas, and unforgettable moments across UAE's most prestigious venues.
Seven strands. One stage.
DANA's inaugural edition runs across seven programming strands, each with its own curatorial identity.
Gulf Cinema Competition
The festival's central competitive strand for feature and short films from across the Gulf region.
Silk Screen
A curated showcase of cinema that bridges cultures and storytelling traditions.
Desert Screen
Outdoor evening screenings staged in the open desert landscape, under the stars.
Majlis Cinema
Intimate screenings paired with conversation, focused on independent voices and emerging talent.
DANA Market
The festival's industry and buyer-facing strand, connecting producers, distributors, and financiers.
DANA MarketNew Voices of the Gulf
A spotlight on first-time filmmakers from the Gulf region.
Horizon Reel
A 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 requirementsEvent Schedule
Preview of the first five days (full schedule coming soon)
Full 5-day schedule will be announced in December 2026
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