Confirming recent rumours that Peter Scarlet would leave his post at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the organisation has confirmed that Ali Al Jabri will become the new festival director.

Al Jabri has been with the Abu Dhabi festival for five years and previously served as director of the Emirates Film Competition.

Scarlet had been at Abu Dhabi for three years, when it was managed by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH). Now the festival is under the umbrella of twofour54.

Scarlet leaves just about two months before this year’s festival, which runs Oct 11-20

Noura Al Kaabi, CEO of twofour54, said: “Today is a very important milestone in the event’s history. Ali has been instrumental in developing the Emirates Film Competition and we are sure he will bring the same level of passion and enthusiasm to his new role.”

“I am both proud and excited about the new role,” added Al Jabri. “This shows the tremendous opportunities that are now opening up in the media industry for UAE Nationals and I hope that I can encourage a new generation to want to be a part of such an exciting industry as we position Abu Dhabi as a creative hub for film production in the region.”


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