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Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi partners with FilmGate to boost UAE film industry, 15 productions planned
Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) has signed a strategic partnership with leading Emirati-owned production house FilmGate to supercharge the emirate's content creation ecosystem and nurture homegrown talent. Under this landmark agreement, FilmGate will produce at least 15 productions in Abu Dhabi over the next five years, employing 50 per cent local production talent from within CMA's creative ecosystem. The collaboration includes a robust learning and development programme featuring: Annual industry workshops hosted by FilmGate on specialist production topics Four six-month paid internships per year for young Emirati creatives Pathways to permanent employment within the media and film production industry Abu Dhabi film industry Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of Creative Media Authority, said: 'Establishing partnerships with local and regional production leaders is a key element of our industry development strategy to make Abu Dhabi a global content hub. 'Alongside attracting the major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, it is critical that we support and increase the Arab content produced in Abu Dhabi to ensure we are building an ecosystem where Emirati and wider Arab narratives can thrive. 'The partnerships we are curating are designed to deliver unrivalled opportunities throughout the ecosystem, from employment for our 1000 plus registered freelancers to intern opportunities for our young creatives; these partnerships support on all levels.' FilmGate will also benefit from Abu Dhabi Film Commission's newly enhanced production rebate scheme, which now offers cashback incentives starting at 35 per cent and up to 50 per cent for qualifying productions that meet specific criteria. Founded by acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Mansoor Al Yahbouni Al Dhaheri, FilmGate brings years of award-winning experience to the table. Al Dhaheri's work has been featured at global festivals, including the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, Dubai International Film Festival, and Gulf Film Festival. Notable projects include Little Sparta (2016), The Platform (3 seasons), Swim 62 (2023), and The Misfits (2021). Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of FilmGate, said: 'It is a significant year for Abu Dhabi with the new rebate for production starting January 1 and a partnership of this nature with Creative Media Authority will allow us to maximise all that Abu Dhabi offers in terms of filming locations, creative infrastructure, talent and financial support to produce more content than ever before.'
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
CMA partners with 'FilmGate' to grow creative industries, promote production sector in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI - Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) has announced a new partnership with one of the UAE's leading independent, Emirati-owned and operated production houses, FilmGate to secure a suite of benefits for the wider production industry in Abu Dhabi. FilmGate will produce a minimum of 15 productions in Abu Dhabi over the next five years. The productions will employ 50 percent of production talent from within the CMA's ecosystem. The partnership will also provide extensive learning and development benefits for the ecosystem including annual workshops hosted by FilmGate for the industry on a specialist production topic and four, six-month paid internships per annum for young Emirati talent with a view to providing permanent employment opportunities to grow and nurture talent from within the UAE. Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of Creative Media Authority, said, 'Establishing partnerships with local and regional production leaders is a key element of our industry development strategy to make Abu Dhabi a global content hub. Alongside attracting the major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, it is critical that we support and increase the Arab content produced in Abu Dhabi to ensure we are building an ecosystem where Emirati and wider Arab narratives can thrive.' 'The partnerships we are curating are designed to deliver unrivalled opportunities throughout the ecosystem, from employment for our 1000 plus registered freelancers to intern opportunities for our young creatives; these partnerships support on all levels.' Founded by leading Emirati filmmaker Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, FilmGate will also benefit from the recent update on the rebate offered by Abu Dhabi Film Commission where qualifying productions now can apply for cashback on production and postproduction spend starting at 35 percent up to 50 percent based on meeting a clear set of criteria. Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of FilmGate, added, 'It is a significant year for Abu Dhabi with the new rebate for production starting January 1 and a partnership of this nature with Creative Media Authority will allow us to maximise all that Abu Dhabi offers in terms of filming locations, creative infrastructure, talent and financial support to produce more content than ever before.' As a visionary producer, director, writer, and, most notably, philanthropist Mr Mansoor Al Dhaheri has created content which has been screened at festivals across the world including at Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival and Gulf Film Festival. Some of his award-winning and nominated projects include Al Biet Metwahid (Unified Home) (2013), ( (2012), Little Sparta (2016), Swim 62 (2023). Other more recent work includes the documentary ABU DHABI success story (2024), TV series Dreams Drawn by Dust (2022), House of Life (2022), Scattered Barriers (2021), three seasons of The Platform and feature film The Misfits (2021). As CEO of FilmGate, he leads a team of directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, video editors, animators, audio auditors and producers to create engaging and inspiring content from Abu Dhabi. The FilmGate partnership is one of several partnerships CMA is establishing in order to provide further stimulus across the creative industries of Abu Dhabi, of which the production industry is key.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Creative Media Authority (CMA) partners with UAE production house FilmGate to grow creative industries and promote production sector in Abu Dhabi
4 June 2025 12:11 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) has announced a new partnership with one of the UAE's leading independent, Emirati-owned and operated production houses, FilmGate, to secure a suite of benefits for the wider production industry in Abu will produce a minimum of 15 productions in Abu Dhabi over the next five years. The productions will employ 50 percent of production talent from within the CMA's partnership will also provide extensive learning and development benefits for the ecosystem, including annual workshops hosted by FilmGate for the industry on a specialist production topic and four six-month paid internships per annum for young Emirati talent with a view to providing permanent employment opportunities to grow and nurture talent from within the Director General of Creative Media Authority, Mohamed Dobay, said, 'Establishing partnerships with local and regional production leaders is a key element of our industry development strategy to make Abu Dhabi a global content hub. Alongside attracting the major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, it is critical that we support and increase the Arab content produced in Abu Dhabi to ensure we are building an ecosystem where Emirati and wider Arab narratives can thrive.''The partnerships we are curating are designed to deliver unrivalled opportunities throughout the ecosystem, from employment for our 1000-plus registered freelancers to intern opportunities for our young creatives; these partnerships support on all levels.'Founded by leading Emirati filmmaker, Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, FilmGate will also benefit from the recent update on the rebate offered by Abu Dhabi Film Commission where qualifying productions now can apply for cashback on production and postproduction spend starting at 35 percent up to 50 per cent based on meeting a clear set of Executive Officer and Founder of FilmGate, Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, added, 'It is a significant year for Abu Dhabi with the new rebate for production starting January 1 and a partnership of this nature with Creative Media Authority will allow us to maximise all that Abu Dhabi offers in terms of filming locations, creative infrastructure, talent and financial support to produce more content than ever before.'As a visionary producer, director, writer, and, most notably, philanthropist, Mr. Mansoor Al Dhaheri, has created content, which has been screened at festivals across the world, including at Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival and the Gulf Film Festival. Some of his award-winning and nominated projects include Al Biet Metwahid (Unified Home) (2013), ( (2012), Little Sparta (2016), Swim 62 (2023).Other more recent work includes the documentary ABU DHABI success story (2024), TV series Dreams Drawn by Dust (2022), House of Life (2022), Scattered Barriers (2021), three seasons of The Platform and feature film The Misfits (2021).As CEO of FilmGate, he leads a team of directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, video editors, animators, audio auditors, and producers to create engaging and inspiring content from Abu Dhabi. The FilmGate partnership is one of several partnerships CMA is establishing in order to provide further stimulus across the creative industries of Abu Dhabi, of which the production industry is key.
Broadcast Pro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
‘F1 The Movie' to premiere in Abu Dhabi ahead of Middle East release
The cast and crew will return to Abu Dhabi for the red-carpet premiere after filming 29 days across the emirate. Apple Original Films' summer blockbuster F1 The Movie, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, will make its regional debut with a premiere in Abu Dhabi on June 25, 2025. Distributed globally and in IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures, the event film will officially release across the Middle East on June 26, marking a symbolic return to the city where much of the movie was filmed. The premiere brings the production full circle, as cast and crew reunite in Abu Dhabi after wrapping principal photography during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December. The film was produced in collaboration with the Creative Media Authority, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and local production partner Epic Films. F1 The Movie tells the fictional story of Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, a once-promising Formula 1 driver from the 1990s whose career was nearly ended by a tragic accident. Decades later, Sonny lives a nomadic life on the racing circuit until he's approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes, portrayed by Javier Bardem. Ruben, now the owner of a failing Formula 1 team, urges Sonny to return to the sport for one final shot at greatness. Sonny is paired with rookie sensation Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, and must confront both the challenges of the modern racing world and the unresolved ghosts of his past. As the two drivers clash on and off the track, Sonny learns that redemption in Formula 1 isn't a solo journey—and that teammates can be your greatest rivals. Filmed during real Grand Prix weekends around the globe, the film's Abu Dhabi production spanned 29 days and involved three separate shooting periods. Locations included the Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport and twofour54 Studios. The project employed 284 local crew members, with Epic Films leading the regional production efforts. In addition, 15 young Emirati interns were given the opportunity to work alongside top-tier international filmmakers, gaining hands-on experience through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission's rebate and training programmes. The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, and produced by Kosinski through Monolith Pictures, alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman for Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton also serves as a producer under his Dawn Apollo Films banner, joined by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B Entertainment. The screenplay, penned by Academy Award nominee Ehren Kruger, is based on a story developed by Kosinski and Kruger. The production was created in partnership with Formula 1, with full support from Formula 1 Management, all 10 teams, F1 drivers, and the FIA. Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority, said: 'We are looking forward to welcoming back the cast and crew for a fourth F1-related occasion after hosting the team on three different shoots across three years. Not only in terms of duration but also in terms of economic impact, the F1 The Movie production has made a significant difference to Abu Dhabi's creative ecosystem and to host the region's premiere as part of a global tour, this will be a fitting closing moment and celebration to the full lifecycle of the production project and our first official partnership with Apple Original Films.' Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, commented: 'We are incredibly proud to be hosting a premiere for F1 The Movie – a moment which will see many of the cast and crew return to Abu Dhabi after wrapping 29 days of production – including days at the Yas Marina Circuit. As we continue to drive the film and TV production industry of Abu Dhabi forward, milestone moments such as premieres provide us the ideal opportunity to celebrate our collective efforts to support the visions of some of the world's leading directors and producers from Arabic, Bollywood and Hollywood within a welcoming and supportive environment.' F1 The Movie is one of 180 major production supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, part of the Creative Media Authority, since the introduction of the rebate in 2013.
Gulf Insider
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
Abu Dhabi to Host Regional Premiere of Brad Pitt-led F1®
Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host the regional premiere of the F1® The Movie, an anticipated film starring Brad Pitt and directed by Top Gun: Maverick's Joseph Kosinski. The premiere is set to take place on June 25, 2025, right before the film's official Middle East theatrical release on June 26, 2025. Distributed globally by Warner Bros, pictures in theatres and IMAX, the film is an original feature by Apple Original Films in collaboration with the wider Formula 1® community, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) . Formula 1, Disney announces of launch Mickey & Friends collaboration The movie is produced by Kosinski under his Monolith Pictures banner, alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman (Jerry Bruckheimer Films). Seven-time F1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton (Dawn Apollo Films), Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner (Plan B Entertainment) also took over the role of producers. The screenplay is written by Academy Award-nominee Ehren Kruger and based on a story by Kosinski and Kruger. The red-carpet event will mark a return for the film's cast and crew, who wrapped production during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2024. Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority, said: 'We are looking forward to welcoming back the cast and crew for a fourth F1-related occasion after hosting the team on three different shoots across three years. Not only in terms of duration but also in terms of economic impact, the 'F1® The Movie' production has made a significant difference to Abu Dhabi's creative ecosystem and to host the region's premiere as part of a global tour, this will be a fitting closing moment and celebration to the full lifecycle of the production project and our first official partnership with Apple Original Films.' .@AppleFilms' F1 The Movie will have its regional premiere on 25 June 2025 in #AbuDhabi. Starring Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem, the film is directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton. مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) May 19, 2025 The regional premiere is supported by the Creative Media Authority, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and local production partner Epic Films. The film was shot across real Grand Prix weekends at global locations, including an intensive 29-day production phase in Abu Dhabi. Key filming sites included Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios. A total of 284 local crew members contributed to the production, with support from Abu Dhabi Film Commission's rebate scheme and the involvement of fifteen UAE-based interns who trained alongside some of the world's leading film professionals. 'F1® The Movie' follows the fictional story of Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a once-promising F1 driver from the 1990s whose career was derailed by a major crash. Decades later, he is drawn back into the sport by former teammate Ruben Cervantes (played by Javier Bardem), now the owner of a struggling Formula 1 team on the verge of collapsing. Hayes is recruited for one last comeback, racing alongside a rising rookie talent, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), as personal rivalries and past traumas collide on and off the track. Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, added: 'We are incredibly proud to be hosting a premiere for 'F1® The Movie' – a moment which will see many of the cast and crew return to Abu Dhabi after wrapping 29 days of production – including days at the Yas Marina Circuit. As we continue to drive the film and TV production industry of Abu Dhabi forward, milestone moments such as premieres provide us the ideal opportunity to celebrate our collective efforts to support the visions of some of the world's leading directors and producers from Arabic, Bollywood and Hollywood within a welcoming and supportive environment.' The film is among more than 180 major productions supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission since the introduction of its incentive programme in 2013. Also read: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025: Post Malone to Perform at Etihad Park for 17th Edition
