Abu Dhabi 15, July, 2014: Emirati filmmaker and Image Nation Abu Dhabi production manager, Alwiya A Thani has been awarded gold in the Narrative Short category at this year’s International Independent Film Awards for her short film, ‘Faith in Love’.

The film, which premiered at the 2013 Dubai International Film Festival is a romantic comedy which tells the story of two unlucky in love Dubai residents, who through a series of events manage to restore their faith in love.

“As an Emirati, opting to create a film of this genre and using a multicultural cast to do it was somewhat out of left field, so winning this award is particularly significant,” said Alwiya. “I would love for this to be the catalyst for more Emirati producers to follow suit and expand into this type of film. It would help highlight the vibrant cosmopolitan culture that we have embraced here in the UAE.”

The International Independent Film Awards is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating independent filmmakers, screenwriters and artists from around the globe. The awards recognize that independent filmmakers like Alwiya are the backbone of the industry and therefore give them the opportunity to receive the exposure they and their projects deserve via one of the 41 award categories and seven levels.

Image Nation chief executive, Michael Garin added, “We are immensely proud that Alwiya’s hard work and dedication has been recognized with this award. Alwiya took a gamble with ‘Faith in Love’, moving away from the typical drama tragedies that Emirati filmmakers have favored, and the result is a wonderful modern short which we hope will break the mold for future Emirati film projects.”

In addition to the award, ‘Faith in Love’ has been selected for screening at a number of international film festivals.