Organisers at the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) are launching the largest film market in the Arab world ahead of the festival’s seventh edition in December.

The new Dubai Film Market consolidates disparate industry initiatives within DIFF and creates greater access to film-makers and industry from the Middle East, Asia and Africa, covering all aspects of the process from development to distribution.

The Dubai Film market will now house the established co-production market Dubai Film Connection, networking and funding hub the Dubai Film Forum, post-production support programme Enjaaz, and Dubai Filmmart, previously known as the Dubai Film Market, specialising in content trade, acquisition and distribution.

DIFF managing director Shivani Pandya said the market was a natural evolution and would offer “seamless access and operational efficiency.”

“From December 2010, delegates will be able to view the current crop of cinema, meet emerging and recognised talent, acquire films, meet the key decision-makers in the Arab, Asian, African and international film worlds, and develop business partnerships,” Pandya said. “In short, the new Dubai Film Market opens up the world for business.”

Since the festival’s conception in 2004, the urge to develop a regional hub has seen marked progress in the Dubai Film Connection, for example, with 46 projects leading to 13 completed films. This year 15 new Arab projects will be showcased.

DIFF is scheduled to run from December 12 to 19.

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