Abu Dhabi on Thursday, 29 January 2026
Innovative Film Academy – Abu Dhabi (IFA), has announced the launch of the 3rd Edition of the I-Film Festival, set to take place in Abu Dhabi at Yas Creative Hub on 10th, 11th & 12th April 2026. The festival celebrates Emirati cinema and its creators, while also highlighting Indian and Arab cinema through a rich programme of film screenings and interactive events.
Details of the third edition were unveiled during a press conference held at Yas Creative Hub, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, addressed by Saravana Prasad, Founder & Festival Director, along with honoured guests from the UAE including actor Mansoor Al Feeli, director Nasser Al Dhaheri, and director Nayla Al Khaja. The event also welcomed Egyptian producer Hisham Suleiman, actor and Galala Film Festival Director Ashraf Sarhan, UAE production houses, and IBPG, in addition to a distinguished group of Emirati filmmakers and representatives from local and international media.
Opening Film
The festival will open with the Emirati feature film “Baab”, directed by Nayla Al Khaja, reaffirming the strong presence of local cinema. The opening programme will also feature the premiere of the short film “Place U Call Home” and the music video “Safest Light”, both produced by IFA and Media Mania, with local talent including students from Abu Dhabi University and ADVETI.
The festival programme also includes opening and closing ceremonies, which will be attended by leading Arab, Indian, and international film personalities, alongside award presentations, honours, panel discussions, competitions, live entertainment, and film case studies.
Honours and Awards
In its 3rd edition, the I-Film Festival will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Emirati actor Mansoor Al Feeli and acclaimed Egyptian actress Elham Shahin, coinciding with Egypt being named the Country of Honour at the festival, in recognition of its rich cinematic legacy.
The festival will also bestow an Honorary Award upon Emirati director and producer Nasser Al Dhaheri, in appreciation of his distinguished career and influential contributions to cinema locally and internationally.
Co-Productions & Collaborations
A high-level delegation from India will attend the festival, with representation from leading film bodies including the Film Federation of India (FFI), Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), IBPG, and prominent HNIs.
As part of its core programming, the festival will host a dedicated Business Conclave, designed to facilitate structured dialogue between Indian investors, producers, and film bodies and their Emirati counterparts. These interactions aim to explore opportunities for Indo–Arab co-productions, strategic investments in the UAE’s film and media ecosystem, and the attraction of international productions to Abu Dhabi, in partnership with UAE-based production houses.
The festival will also witness wide participation from Emirati directors and producers, both emerging and established, alongside distinguished Egyptian cinema experts who will join the festival’s organisational council. These include producer Hesham Suleiman, director Magdy Ahmed, actor and festival director Ashraf Sarhan, and composer Tamer Karawan. In addition, leading Egyptian and Indian film stars are expected to attend the festival, further strengthening cross-cultural collaboration and cinematic exchange.
Competitions
Emirati actor Mansoor Al Feeli will serve as the Head of the Competition Jury, along with other jurors from cinema professionals. Submissions open from today via the official festival website: www.ifilmfestivaluae.com.
The Short Film Competition includes three categories:
• UAE Short Films
• Arabic Short Films
• International Short Films
In addition, several new categories have been introduced, most notably:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Content Competition
• Creative Minds – On-the-Spot Challenge
• Still Stories – Photography Competition
• Rhythm Unleashed – Dance Competition
• Melody Makers – Music Competition
Supporting Talent
The festival is supported by Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI) as educational partners, reaffirming its commitment to youth skill development.
The festival is expected to engage more than 5,000 students and young creatives from across the UAE.
A Dynamic Bridge
Commenting on the upcoming edition, Saravana Prasad, Festival Director, said:
“The 2026 edition places special emphasis on co-productions and the development of local talent, positioning the I-Film Festival as a dynamic bridge connecting the UAE and India, as well as the MENA region.”
He added:
“We are proud to celebrate Emirati cinema and its creators, with the participation of more than 500 filmmakers and an anticipated audience exceeding 5,000 students and creatives. The festival continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional and global hub for cinema and creativity.”
Prasad further explained that Innovative Film Academy, the festival’s organising body, is an educational and creative production institution dedicated to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and building a sustainable ecosystem for film and content production in the UAE. Founded in Abu Dhabi in 2022 as part of a group based in Bengaluru, India, and supported by the Creative Media Authority Abu Dhabi, the Academy collaborates with leading educational partners such as Abu Dhabi University and ADVETI to deliver programmes, workshops, and initiatives aligned with industry needs, bridging creativity and technology in the media and film sectors.
He concluded:
“The Academy works to empower Emirati filmmakers through original content production, cross-cultural collaboration, and the organisation of the I-Film Festival, serving as a catalyst for creative growth and talent development.”
A True Platform
Emirati actor Mansoor Al Feeli said:
“This honour means a great deal to me, as it comes from a festival that places Emirati cinema at the heart of its mission and believes in the role of artists in preserving cultural identity and advancing the cinematic landscape. The I-Film Festival is a true platform for empowering talent and connecting new generations with the film industry.”
A Human Message
Emirati Award-winning director and producer Nasser Al Dhaheri expressed his appreciation, stating:
“Receiving the honorary award from the I-Film Festival is both a recognition and a responsibility. It is a motivation to continue producing films that carry a human message and reflect the UAE’s culturally open image to the world.”
A Moment of Pride
For her part, Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja, director of the opening film, emphasised the special significance of her participation, saying:
“Screening ‘Baab’ at the opening of an international festival in Abu Dhabi that celebrates Emirati cinema is a moment of pride for every local filmmaker. The festival’s initiatives and joint cinematic activities contribute to building a genuine bridge of communication between Emirati creatives and the world.”
Production Partner
We are happy to announce Media Mania as a Production Partner with Innovative Film Academy, the I-Film Festival, and its talent development initiatives.
In this context, and on the other hand, there are many sector-related news items that you can follow.
- Biddex Signs a Cooperation Agreement with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank – Egypt to Provide Instant Car Financing Solutions
- Abacus Group Opens Abu Dhabi Office to Extend UAE Presence
