DIFF unveils friends of festival packages

Dubai, Oct 17 (IANS/WAM) The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) Thursday revealed the packages for its Friends of the Festival (FOTF) philanthropic programme, designed to engage the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) cinephiles by providing a platform for them to become supporters of the arts.

The programme is the first of its kind in the region, though such stakeholder funding platforms are common in festivals and cultural events in North America and Europe.

"Friends of the Festival engages cinephiles who are eager to build the film community in Dubai," said Shivani Pandya, managing director of DIFF.

"The Friends of the Festival are film lovers who are cultural connoisseurs and recognise the importance of events such as DIFF to building a cultural hub here in Dubai," she added.

According to Pandya, the packages will offer film lovers an exclusive Dubai experience, with the opportunity to rub shoulders with film professionals, celebrities and artistes who frequent one of Dubai's most anticipated annual cultural events.

'Friends of the Festival' packages are now available in four exclusive tiers - DIFF Platinum Partner, DIFF Gold Circle, Patron of DIFF and DIFF Supporter.

Friends receive exclusive access to the festival's events, and a glimpse at the inner workings of one of the UAE's most anticipated events.

--IANS/WAM

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