DANA Film Festival is the UAE's premier platform celebrating independent cinema from the Arab world and beyond. Founded in Dubai and spanning across the Emirates, DANA is a festival dedicated to the art of storytelling — where every frame carries meaning and every story deserves to be seen.

Raw. Real. Reel.

In its landmark inaugural edition, DANA Film Festival 2027 brings together filmmakers, artists, and cinema lovers for a vibrant multi-city celebration of film. From feature films and documentaries to short films and experimental works, DANA welcomes stories rooted in humanity, culture, and creative vision.

What to expect at DANA 2027:

Official screenings across multiple Emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah

Industry panels and filmmaker Q&A sessions

Networking events connecting regional talent with international industry professionals

Awards across key categories including Best Feature, Best Short, Best Documentary, and Best Arab Film

A festival built on cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and the enduring power of cinema

DANA Film Festival is a celebration of film in its most honest and powerful form. Whether you are a first-time filmmaker or an established director, DANA is your stage.

Submit your film. Share your story.

Lights. Camera. DANA — where cinema comes alive.

Rules & Terms

DANA Film Festival 2027 — Rules & Terms of Entry

1. Eligibility

Films of all nationalities and languages are welcome to submit.

Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023.

Works in progress (rough cuts) are not accepted. Submissions must be a finished film.

2. Submission Requirements

All non-English films must include English subtitles.

Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway only.

Films previously screened at DANA Film Festival are not eligible for resubmission.

3. Categories

Feature Film (60 minutes or more)

Short Film (under 40 minutes)

Documentary (any length)

Experimental / Animation (any length)

4. Content Guidelines

All submitted content must comply with UAE media laws and cultural standards.

Films containing explicit content, hate speech, or content violating UAE regulations will be disqualified without refund.

5. Selection Process

All submissions are reviewed by DANA's programming committee.

Selection decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding programming choices.

6. Screening Rights

By submitting, filmmakers grant DANA Film Festival the non-exclusive right to screen their film during the festival period.

DANA does not acquire any distribution rights.

7. Fees

Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

8. Notifications

All filmmakers will be notified of selection results via FilmFreeway and email.

Selected filmmakers are expected to confirm participation within 7 days of notification.

9. Filmmaker Responsibilities

Selected filmmakers are responsible for providing a final screener file, press kit, and film stills upon request.

DANA reserves the right to use provided materials for promotional purposes.

10. Agreement

By submitting, the entrant confirms they hold all necessary rights to the film and agree to all terms listed above.