Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming a global leader in innovative film technology, and the UAE’s partnership with Hollywood Filmmakers to Watch Timur Bekmambetov is taking things to the next level. In a bid to create fresh opportunities for filmmakers in the region, Image Nation Abu Dhabi has introduced the groundbreaking Screenlife Accelerator Program. This initiative is designed to train and mentor local talent in a unique and forward-thinking filmmaking format—screenlife. It’s a genre that allows narratives to unfold entirely on digital screens, using computers and smartphones as the primary storytelling tools. This pioneering approach to filmmaking is already catching the attention of both regional and international audiences.
What is Screenlife Filmmaking?
Screenlife is a genre of filmmaking that was pioneered by Timur Bekmambetov, the director behind hit movies like Unfriended, Searching, and Missing. In screenlife films, the story takes place exclusively on digital screens, from computers and laptops to smartphones and tablets. Characters communicate through texts, emails, video calls, and social media, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy that traditional film formats often lack. Bekmambetov describes screenlife as an innovative way to tell stories that mirror the digital realities of modern life. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology for communication and interaction, screenlife offers a refreshing approach to filmmaking, one that speaks directly to the experience of today’s digital natives.
For Bekmambetov, screenlife is not just a way to tell stories—it’s a tool that democratizes filmmaking. With a more accessible format that requires minimal physical sets or elaborate production budgets, screenlife gives emerging filmmakers the opportunity to create high-quality content without being constrained by the traditional costs of filmmaking. This opens up new possibilities for voices that might otherwise go unheard in the crowded cinematic world.
The Screenlife Accelerator Program: Nurturing Local Talent
Launched in mid-2024, the Screenlife Accelerator Program is a bold step by Image Nation Abu Dhabi to cultivate homegrown filmmaking talent in the UAE. The program attracted 20 talented individuals from a range of backgrounds, including Emirati nationals, as well as residents from countries like India, Russia, Turkey, and the UK. These finalists embarked on a 12-week journey that was divided into three key phases: learning technical skills related to screenlife filmmaking, developing and packaging their film ideas, and finally, creating proof-of-concept films and pitches to attract investors and industry attention.
The focus of the program is on providing participants with the necessary tools to develop screenlife projects from concept to completion. They gain knowledge in both the artistic and technical sides of filmmaking, including digital production, editing, and how to tell a compelling story using only the screen as a medium. With guidance from industry experts and Bekmambetov himself, participants are given a unique opportunity to engage with the cutting-edge world of digital-first filmmaking.
At the conclusion of the program, eight exceptional projects were selected to receive additional support in the form of development funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. These winners are expected to play a pivotal role in the future of screenlife filmmaking and will likely shape the future of digital cinema in the region.
Meet the Winners: Eight Groundbreaking Projects
The eight standout projects selected for further development represent a wide range of genres and stories, showcasing the versatility of screenlife filmmaking. These films reflect the creativity and diverse cultural perspectives of the filmmakers involved. The winners are:
- Disappearance (UAE): A supernatural thriller following a vlogger who investigates a mysterious disappearance in Oman. The film explores themes of digital investigation and the haunting presence of online platforms.
- Stalker (Turkey): A gripping psychological drama that delves into the increasingly dangerous dynamics of online relationships. The story centers on a young woman who falls victim to a manipulative and obsessive stalker.
- Hidden Melody (UAE): A unique exploration of the music industry, this story follows a music composer who uncovers dark secrets about the industry he works in. It’s a tale of ambition, deceit, and the pursuit of artistic freedom.
- Maybe You Should Talk to Someone (France/Spain): A psychological thriller set against the backdrop of online therapy sessions. It brings attention to the growing role of mental health support through digital means, as well as the complications that arise in virtual spaces.
- Just My Type (USA/Lebanon): This timely story tackles the dark world of cybercrime and online romance scams. It follows a character who falls prey to a sophisticated scammer operating across international borders, highlighting the vulnerabilities of online relationships.
- Mother Scammer (India/UK): A satirical thriller set in the high society of Dubai, where a renowned designer falls victim to a digital scam. It examines the intersection of wealth, digital deception, and societal pressures.
- Closure (Yemen): A sci-fi horror film blending artificial intelligence and themes of grief. It tells the story of a character who must come to terms with their past using an AI-driven system that challenges the boundaries of reality.
- The Link (Yemen): This digital thriller centers around the phenomenon of viral fame and the dangerous consequences of deception in the online world. It tells the story of a character who is thrust into the spotlight due to a viral scandal, only to uncover a web of lies.
These projects not only highlight the talent emerging from the UAE and the wider region, but also demonstrate the limitless potential of screenlife filmmaking. The diverse mix of genres and themes shows how adaptable and relevant the format can be in telling compelling, modern stories.
Impact on the UAE Film Industry
The Screenlife Accelerator Program is a crucial component of Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to make the UAE a prominent player in the global film industry. By investing in innovative filmmaking formats like screenlife, Image Nation aims to position the UAE as a hub for digital storytelling and to attract international attention to the country’s growing film sector. This effort is aligned with the UAE’s broader cultural vision, which includes fostering creativity and talent across various artistic disciplines while also contributing to the diversification of the country’s economy.
Ben Ross, Acting CEO of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, underscores the importance of staying ahead of trends in content consumption. “The nature of how we consume entertainment is changing rapidly, and screenlife filmmaking reflects these shifts,” Ross explains. He emphasizes that the accelerator program offers a rare opportunity for local filmmakers to be at the forefront of this emerging field. Through it, they have the chance to push the boundaries of traditional cinema and redefine how stories are told in the digital age.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Screenlife in the UAE?
As the winning projects from the Screenlife Accelerator Program move into production, the future looks bright for the UAE’s film industry. If these films are successful, they could not only draw international interest but also inspire a new generation of filmmakers in the region. The digital-first nature of screenlife offers unique opportunities for filmmakers to experiment and take risks without the financial constraints of traditional cinema. This innovative approach to storytelling has the potential to reshape the film industry in the UAE and beyond.
Moreover, the success of these films may lead to further development of digital filmmaking in the region, encouraging other filmmakers to embrace new technologies and formats. As digital cinema continues to evolve, the UAE could become a global leader in the next phase of filmmaking innovation.
Conclusion
The Screenlife Accelerator Program marks a major turning point for the UAE’s film industry. By embracing the possibilities of digital-first storytelling, the country is helping to shape the future of cinema. With a growing pool of talented filmmakers and a commitment to innovation, the UAE is ready to make its mark on the global film industry. As screenlife filmmaking continues to gain traction, we can expect to see more groundbreaking projects emerge from the region, further establishing the UAE as a hub of creativity and cinematic experimentation.
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