The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) will the third Circle Conference, in association with Imagenation Abu Dhabi, during the Middle East International Film Festival (Meiff) from October 9 to 11.

The conference will include industry panel discussions, master-classes for filmmakers, informal collaboration lunches, round tables and the 'Shasha Grant' Competition – a screenwriting contest designed to identify, develop and launch the career of filmmaking talent.

The event is part of the ADFC’s commitment to build Abu Dhabi as a flourishing filmmaking region, new media hub and create additional initiatives and lucrative incentives for industry executives to attend and exchange their valuable knowledge and experience.

“We want to maximise the benefits that our guests from around the world, and our young filmmakers from this part of the world, gain from attending The Circle Conference,” stated Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, chairman of Imagenation Abu Dhabi and director general of Adach.

Last year the Abu Dhabi Authority for Cultural and Heritage (Adach) hosted the second edition of The Circle Conference, bringing together a range of industry experts from the international entertainment community including actor/producer/director Antonio Banderas, and directors Spike Lee and McG.

“This successful programme is just one of many film-making and training initiatives ADFC will be announcing over the coming months,” said David Shepheard, director of Abu Dhabi Film Commission.

“We are committed to supporting Middle East filmmakers and Arabian film production to help cultivate a new generation of talented Arab filmmakers,” added Edward Borgerding, chief of Imagenation Abu Dhabi.-TradeArabia News Service