Four Arab films supported by SANAD, the development and post-production fund of Abu Dhabi Film Festival ADFF, will be screened at the 39th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which runs from September 4th-14th and screens more than 300 films over 10 days.
This is the fifth consecutive year SANAD films have been screened at TIFF, and this year's selections include two narrative films, Theeb and The Valley. The two films are in the TIFF Documentaries category, which includes Iraq's Odyssey, and The Wanted 18.
Ali Al Jabri, Director of Abu Dhabi Film Festival, said, "This achievement is a testament to ADFF and SANAD's success in supporting and developing international quality Arab films. It also demonstrates ADFF's continued support for filmmakers in the region.
"SANAD serves as a vehicle for identifying and supporting worthwhile projects and we are confident that such films will go on to create a meaningful body of work that ensures greater Arab artistic representation in contemporary world cinema. Theeb has also been selected for the Orizzonti competition at Venice Film Festival later this month; it is the only Arab feature film to be screened in the official selection of this year's programme in Venice." SANAD supported films have continually been featured at international film festivals such as Cannes, Berlin and Venice, and have received international recognition by winning numerous awards and accolades.
SANAD provides not only funding but support to projects starting at the development stage and continues its support until these films reach the big screens.
TIFF is considered a proving ground for the latest films, and is seen as the gateway to the U.S. and Canadian markets for many independent film-makers from outside North America.
Source: WAM