Tracking Arab Industry Developments

To continue the tracking of developments in the Middle East's predominately Arab countries which I began in Cannes, once again, Dubai International Film Festival's Market is taking a lead position, now by posting sales made during its December event. Screen International's article says it all.

It is notable that in posting rights, Dubai takes a place among the markets such as Cannes, EFM and AFM. Posting rights creates a flurry of further deals by savvy buyers who are taking note of developments around them.

Making note of market developments the raison d'etre of Sydney's Buzz. By posting the deals which, in cooperation with IMDbPro.com and Cinando.com, are linked for access to future productions by producers or international sales agents, both distributors and ISAs can track competitors' sales and acquisitions. ISAs can track distributors' interests and everyone can track upcoming projects by favored producers, directors, writers and talent.

Development of market savvy is the creative part of buying and selling. And Dubai, once again, stands out among the Arab entities entering the festival world in taking the lead.

Every Day is a Holiday / Chaque Jour est une Fête

I saw this film when it won the Works in Progress prize in Dubai. It is a film which you will be seeing in the top festivals.

Producer Thierry Lenouvel invites you to join the Facebook group "Every Day is a Holiday / Chaque Jour est une Fête". It's Independence Day in Lebanon: three women who've never met before are on the same bus heading to visit a prison situated in a remote area of the country. Traveling through an arid landscape littered with mines and decapitated dreams, the journey transforms into the women's quest for their own independence.

Thierry says, "Bonsoir à tous, on tente une nouvelle expérience : la coproduction de notre dernier film par souscription internet !Rejoignez-nous et inviter vos amis à nous rejoindre à leur tour... Merci."