From Stargazing to AI Films: What to Expect at Al Marmoom Film Festival 2025
By Malak Khaled
Al Marmoom Film Festival, running from January 4 to 12, 2025, celebrates creativity, art, and film under the stars in Dubai’s picturesque Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Organized by Dubai Culture, the festival features over 80 films, 30 workshops, and immersive experiences, including the renowned Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition.
This year’s theme, “Where Stories Come to Life,” promises a dynamic mix of cinematic artistry, technology, and cultural heritage, making it a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and creatives alike.
Films and Competitions
The festival showcases a wide variety of films, from documentaries to animations, including works by local Emirati directors and filmmakers.
The Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition highlights four categories: documentaries, animation, live-action, and films created using Artificial Intelligence.
With 240 submissions to choose from, the competition promises an exciting lineup of cutting-edge films that push the boundaries of storytelling. One highlight is the movie Reach for the Stars.
Reach for the Stars
The movie Reach for the Stars emphasizes UAE’s space achievements, showcasing the Rashid Rover lunar mission and Sultan Al Neyadi’s record-breaking spacewalk.
Immersive AI Experiences
A unique feature of the festival is its Immersive Experience Zone, where visitors can interact with AI-powered installations to create their own short films and music.
Developed by Dubai studio Hybrid Xperience, the AI installations allow anyone to easily generate films and tracks with just a few taps, offering an interactive glimpse into the future of creative storytelling.
Workshops and Seminars
The festival’s workshops and panel discussions offer invaluable opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and artists to learn from industry experts.
With 30 workshops, participants can hone their craft and gain insights into the latest trends in the industry. The diversity of panels also provides a cross-disciplinary approach, encouraging creativity beyond the cinema.
Cinematic Makeup
Explore techniques used by professionals to create stunning on-screen looks.
AI in Film
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming storytelling and production, and learn the art of cinematography with expert tips and tricks.
Drawing and Coloring with Coffee and Emirati Spices
Unleash your creativity using coffee as a unique artistic medium, and learn to incorporate local spices into your art.
Workshops on Meteorites
Special planetarium shows and workshops on meteorites cater to all astronomy enthusiasts.
Cultural Elements and Artistic Installations
The festival offers a journey into Emirati culture with authentic cuisine and a chance to explore Al Marmoom Desert as a natural reserve.
There is even a telescope that will let you soar into the starry night of the desert. Here are some examples of the art installations.
Cube by Ghaleb Hawila
The cube is a steel sculpture inscribed with a poem by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and it embodies the Arabic dot.
Antykov’s installation
Mikhail Antykov’s installation, ‘The Colour of Shadow’, offers a truly unique experience that plays on both light and shadow to transfer you to a parallel reality.
The Al Marmoom Film Festival is a groundbreaking event that focuses on AI as the future of storytelling.
With its diverse film screenings, interactive AI experiences, and immersive cultural activities, it promises unforgettable insights into the creative spirit of Dubai.
Whether you’re a cinephile, artist, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, this festival has something for everyone.
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