Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) will host a series of Arabic language panel discussions at an industry conference covering regional co-operation, the strengths of TV industry in the region and the potential for it to develop the Arab film industry.

ADFC is an initiative launched by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) last January to assist the development of Film and TV industry in Abu Dhabi, nurturing of new talent and contributing to the promotion of Arab culture through film.

'The 2010 Circle Conference' will be held concurrently with the opening of Abu Dhabi Film Festival from October 14 to 23.

The event will see industry leaders from Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait and Egypt discuss the opportunities, challenges and successes the industry has had and continues to witness, said the ADFC in a statement.

The Arabic language panels will explore the film and TV industries of neighbouring territories and the potential co-production and collaboration opportunities between these countries.

Panelists will include Gabriel Khoury of MISR International; Walid Al Awadi of C Sky Pictures; director Najdat Anzour and director/producer Jad Abi-Khalil. The session on regional co-operation will be moderated by Nashwa Al Ruwaini of Pyramedia Productions.

“The Arabic language element of The Circle Conference is very important, particularly in discussing regional collaboration,” said Eissa Saif Al Mazrouei, director of Special Projects at ADACH.

“Another critical challenge and sizeable opportunity is tapping into the Arab youth market.  We hope that the discussions that will take place at the 2010 Circle Conference will help progress strategies within the industry,” he added.

The opportunity for the Arab TV industry to support the growing attempts to create a pan Arab film industry and a strong media sector will also be discussed.

A particular focus will be tapping into the abundant Arab youth and approaches to establishing a vibrant local market.

The session will be moderated by Dr Hala Sarhan, president of Rotana Studios, and attendees will hear the viewpoints of Ali Jaber, managing editor of Dubai TV; Adel Adeeb, head of Media Relations Good News Group; and Walid Al Awadi, CEO of C Sky Pictures and Layaly Bader Contents Rights managing director of ART.-TradeArabia News Service