The first cohort of future UAE digital filmmakers under the Screenlife Accelerator Program, an initiative set up by by Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Bazelevs, has kicked off their journey to become pioneers of the new format.

This program has been set up to train local talent – both UAE nationals and residents – in the innovative screenlife digital filmmaking format, where the action is entirely set on computer and smartphone screens.

The Screenlife Accelerator Program, the brainchild of Hollywood filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov’s film and TV production company Bazelevs and Middle East’s leading film studio Image Nation Abu Dhabi, aims to develop at least four feature films in the screenlife format as part of a plan to establish the UAE as a hub for digital filmmaking.

Through its partnership, Image Nation and Bazelevs want to replicate the success of the program in other key markets, such as South Korea, India, and the UK, where similar accelerator programs have been held and strategic partnerships for movie productions in the screenlife format have been secured.

The shortlisted participants are: Abdul Baset Qayed (UAE); Afra Almarar (UAE); Aisha Al Aqel (Yemen); Alaa Al Dhalel (UAE); Mohammad Aldarmaki (UAE); Reem Bashoun (Yemen); Tamam Assi (Syria); Tilila Latifa (Morocco); Samir Mohammed (Somalia); Dana Itani (USA); Jack Wilkinson (UK); Julie Sanchez (France/Spain); Michael Essey (South Africa); Ilyana Shchebrakova (Russia); Gamzat Aliev (Russia); Adolf El Assal (Luxembourg);  Danielle Arden (India); Ekta Saran (India); Pedros Temizian (Armenia); Gorkem Sifael (Turkey) and Kevin George (India).

The finalists will undergo an intensive 12-week course divided into three phases. The first phase focuses on acquiring the essential technical tools for making a screenlife film. The second phase revolves around the development and packaging of the participants’ projects by refining their concepts and narratives, while also learning about budgeting and planning for the execution of their projects. The final phase sees participants working collaboratively on a proof of concept and a pitch.