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The National
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Guide to Korean Film Festival 2025 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Parasite, The Host and live concerts
The Korean Film Festival is returning for its 9th iteration with screenings at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai. This year's event is themed around music, showcasing how sound and storytelling can come together to create powerful cinematic experiences. In addition to the film showings, there will also be two special K-Movie OST (original soundtrack) live concerts that feature memorable music from the films being screened at the festival. As part of the event's commitment to cultural exchange and regional collaboration, the programme includes a special screening of six Arab Film Studio titles on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, presented in partnership with the Creative Media Authority. The films set to be shown include Sound of Memories by Gargi Chakrabarti, The First Note by Laith AlRamahi and Laura Saab's I See a Woman. 'The Korean Film Festival has a long and meaningful history in the UAE, consistently showcasing Korean cinema and engaging with local audiences over the years," said Lee Yong-hee, director of the Korean Cultural Centre in the UAE. "This year, we are proud to expand that engagement even further, by introducing a special Arab film showcase and hosting live K-Movie OST concerts for the first time. These additions reflect our commitment to deeper cultural exchange and creating shared experiences through film and music. Parasite (2019) Abu Dhabi: Thursday at 7pm Dubai: June 27 at 4.30pm The opening film is Bong Joon-ho 's historic Oscar-winning Best Picture about a poor family that slowly infiltrates the lives of a wealthy household by posing as unrelated professionals – a tutor, art therapist, chauffeur and housekeeper. Soon, all of them find a way to work within the same household and start living a parasitic life. C'est Si Bon (2015) Abu Dhabi: Friday at 4pm Directed by Kim Hyun-seok, C'est Si Bon is set in the 1960s and inspired by real events. The film centres on the storied music lounge C'est Si Bon in Seoul. It follows two young men who team up to form a duo that would become part of the famous folk group Twin Folio. As they rise in the music scene, they both fall for the same woman, introducing a bittersweet love triangle amid a backdrop of political tension and creative passion. Secret: Untold Melody (2025) Abu Dhabi: Friday at 7pm A police detective haunted by guilt after an affair and a hit-and-run accident is forced to investigate a murder that bears a suspicious connection to his wife. As he uncovers disturbing truths and hidden motives, he must confront his own past sins while grappling with a dangerous web of betrayal and secrecy. It is directed by Seo You-min. My Beautiful Girl, Mari (2002) Abu Dhabi: Saturday at 2pm Dubai: June 28 at 5pm Lee Seong-gang's animated fantasy film follows Nam-woo, a young boy coping with loneliness and the changes of adolescence. When he discovers a magical marble, he's transported to a dreamlike world where he meets a mysterious and ethereal girl named Mari. The film blends imagination with reality to explore themes of growing up. Jaurim, The Wonderland (2024) Abu Dhabi: Saturday at 6pm, followed by a Q&A with the film's director Dubai: June 28 at 7pm Kim Ji-hwan's documentary dives into the 25-year history of the South Korean rock band, Jaurim. Through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and concert clips, the film captures the band's evolution, creative struggles and enduring connection with fans, while offering a closer look at the cost and joy of artistic pursuit in South Korea's music industry. The director will also host a Q&A session after the film's screening in Abu Dhabi. Dog Days (2024) Abu Dhabi: Sunday at 2pm This ensemble comedy-drama interweaves the stories of several people in Seoul who are brought together by their relationships with dogs. Each character – ranging from a vet to a lonely teenager – experiences growth, healing or change through their bond with a canine companion. The film is an exploration of the quiet ways pets shape human lives. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003) Abu Dhabi: Sunday at 4.30pm Dubai: June 29 at 3pm Based on a Korean folktale, Kim Jee-woon's psychological horror centres on two sisters, Su-mi and Su-yeon, who return home after a stay in a psychiatric hospital. Tension builds between them and their stepmother in a house filled with eerie presences and disturbing memories. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes unclear what is real and what is imagined, leading to a revelation about trauma, guilt and grief. The Host (2006) Dubai: June 29 at 5.30pm When a mutated creature emerges from the Han River and begins attacking Seoul, it snatches a young girl named Hyun-seo, prompting her family to spring into action. Her dysfunctional relatives band together in a desperate, chaotic mission to rescue her. K-Movie OST Live Concert Abu Dhabi: Sunday at 7.30pm Dubai: June 27 at 7.30 pm Choi Yeowan Group is a crossover ensemble led by jeongga (traditional Korean vocal music) artist Choi Yeowan. The group brings together five musicians from both traditional and contemporary music scenes, offering a fresh reinterpretation of South Korean film music. Their performances blend famous soundtrack melodies with the unique aesthetics of traditional South Korean music. The ensemble will present reimagined soundtracks from South Korean cinema classics such as Parasite, My Sassy Girl, 200 Pounds Beauty and The Host.
Campaign ME
09-06-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Abu Dhabi's CMA, FilmGate partner to boost production sector, upskill local talent
Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) has partnered with FilmGate, one of the UAE's leading independent, Emirati-owned and operated production houses, to establish 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, which will employ 50 per cent 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 specialist production topics, as well as four- to six-month paid internships every year 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.' Dobay added, '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 post-production spend starting at 35 per cent up to 50 per cent 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 CMA 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 producer, director, writer, and, most notably, philanthropist 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) and 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 the CEO of FilmGate, Al Dhaheri 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.
Arabian Business
04-06-2025
- 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
04-06-2025
- 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
04-06-2025
- 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.
