Dubai Culture announces dates of 4th Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the commencement of preparations for the launch of the fourth edition of ‘Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert’. The festival will take place at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve from 4 to 12 January 2025 under the theme ‘Where Stories Come to Life.’ Through this event, the Authority aims to open new horizons for filmmakers, providing an innovative platform to showcase their works and diverse stories to the audience. This initiative supports Dubai’s cultural vision, cementing Dubai as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.

The fourth edition of the festival will feature a rich programme of activities and quality shows aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the film industry in the region. It seeks to create an environment that brings film professionals together to share their experiences and knowledge, inspiring new talent to participate in the field. The programme includes films, live performances, workshops, talks, panel discussions, public art, immersive experiences, a family zone, a marketplace, digital art exhibition, competitions and homegrown F&B concepts.

This year’s Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival layout draws inspiration from the iconic Al Ghaf tree, symbolising resilience and heritage in the UAE. The festival’s design features a central ‘trunk’ pathway leading to diverse ‘branches’ showcasing creative works, while the ‘fruits’ spotlight emerging talents through vibrant murals, digital art, projections, and traditional patterns, fostering a dynamic and enriching experience for all audiences.

Throughout the festival, the audience will experience diverse short films bearing the marks of Emirati, GCC, Arab and international filmmakers as part of the Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition, which includes four categories: documentaries, animation, live-action, and films created using artificial intelligence. Visitors to the festival will also enjoy musical performances, heritage displays, and artistic works inspired by the history of local cinema. Dubai Culture will dedicate a corner to highlight the beauty of the Emirati legacy, its elements, and traditional handicrafts. This reflects the Authority’s commitment to introducing Emirati traditions and enhancing their presence in artistic and creative activities in the emirate.