Arab cinema lab to help finance new projects

Bloomberg

The Dubai International Film Festival will this year feature the launch of the Arab Cinema Lab to help finance new projects.
Organized independently by MAD Solutions, the Lab looks to function as “a film financing incubator for accelerating the new film projects and new business ideas that will drive the Arab film industry forward over the coming year,” MAD said.
“By bringing together a select group of filmmakers, creative producers, funders, distributors and broadcasters, the mission is to open new paths to production for the most promising Arab storytellers by showcasing their upcoming work and laying the groundwork for a more robust investment culture,” it added.
Held as part of the Dubai Film Market, the event will take place December 12.
“A highly curated, invitation-only extension of the Arab Cinema Center, the inaugural Lab will feature exclusive footage from a selection of the most highly anticipated Arab film projects that are currently in various stages of development and production,”
organizers said. “Like the best laboratories, Arab Cinema Lab has been designed as both a testing ground and launch pad for what’s next,” said Colin Brown, managing partner and director of international operations at MAD Solutions, who will serve as master of ceremonies.
Added film analyst Alaa Karkouti, CEO and co-founder of MAD: “There are still so many unanswered questions about Arab cinema. What is the size of investment in Arab films every year? What are the investment returns and levels of profitability? What is the big picture for financiers if the Arab film marketplace is allowed to achieve its full potential? Now, through the Arab Cinema Lab, we can provide answers to those fundamental issues for the first time.”
The Dubai festival takes place December 7-14.