Dubai International Film Festival

The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), held in Dubai, UAE, is the largest film festival in the Arab region, focusing on showcasing Arab, Asian, and African cinema while fostering industry growth and talent development. Established in 2004, it featured notable milestones such as the inaugural edition screening 76 films and My Secret Sky opening its first Asia Africa section in 2008. The festival has hosted prominent guests and films, including The Theory of Everything in 2014, which opened the event.

By 2017, DIFF had grown to screen 141 films from around the world, solidifying its position as the region's leading film festival. In 2018, it announced a biennial schedule with the 15th edition planned for 2019. The festival operates under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is supported by Dubai Media City. It presents the Muhr Awards, including categories for best film, documentary, and short film, along with FIPRESCI Awards. Nashen Moodley, director of the Asia Africa Programmes since 2022, oversees initiatives like the Dubai Film Market and Dubai Film Connection to support local filmmakers and industry professionals.