HollyShorts Dubai Launches Student Film Competition

HollyShorts Dubai recently concluded its inaugural edition, providing Arab filmmakers with a pathway to Academy Awards consideration. The festival, which took place from December 12 to 14, 2025, at Firdaus Studio in Expo City, Dubai, is an extension of the established HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, which is recognized by both the Oscars and BAFTAs. A significant highlight of the event was a keynote address by BAFTA winner Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer, who discussed his student short film “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” inspired by true events from the Ukraine war.

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In a move to further support emerging talent, HollyShorts Dubai announced the launch of a dedicated short films competition for college students across the Middle East and beyond. Jeff Pryor, the festival's strategic advisor and former VP of corporate communication at MGM Studios, emphasized the extraordinary talent present in regional universities and the need for a direct pathway to industry recognition. He stated, “By creating a dedicated student competition, we are lowering barriers to entry and offering aspiring directors, producers, and writers the invaluable chance to have their voices heard, receive professional feedback, and network with established industry professionals during the festival.”

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Theo Dumont, the founder of HollyShorts, expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the local film community in Dubai, noting that their support laid a strong foundation for the festival's future. The initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and networking for young filmmakers, thereby fostering a vibrant film culture in the region.

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The second edition of HollyShorts Dubai is scheduled to take place from January 14 to 17, 2027. The festival is expected to continue its focus on educational initiatives and provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work.

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While the festival has been well-received, some critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure inclusivity and representation of diverse voices within the Arab filmmaking community. They suggest that the festival should actively seek submissions from underrepresented groups to truly reflect the region's rich cultural tapestry.

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• “We are thrilled with the reception from the local film community in Dubai, which welcomed us with open arms,” — Theo Dumont, Founder of HollyShorts

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• “The talent bubbling within our region’s universities is extraordinary, yet often lacks a direct pathway to industry recognition,” — Jeff Pryor, Strategic Advisor, HollyShorts Dubai

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HollyShorts Dubai's initiatives represent a significant step toward nurturing the next generation of filmmakers in the Middle East, with the potential to impact the global film landscape.

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