ABU DHABI, 29th April, 2025 (WAM) -- Image Nation Abu Dhabi, the Middle East's leading film and entertainment studio, in collaboration with Hollywood filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov and his production company, Bazelevs, has unveiled the winners of UAE's first Screenlife Accelerator Programme.

Launched in June 2024, the programme empowered UAE nationals and residents to master the art of screenlife filmmaking format, where stories unfold entirely on computer or smartphone screens.

Following an intensive 12-week course designed to mentor aspiring filmmaking talents, thirteen filmmakers have been selected to produce a pilot of their concept. Amongst these thirteen finalists, eight standout projects have been named the winners of the program, earning the opportunity and support to take their projects to the next level in script development.

Ben Ross, CEO of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, said, "As Abu Dhabi and the UAE continue to establish its position as a leader in the creative industries, our partnership on screenlife reflects our commitment to innovation in filmmaking, empowering emerging storytellers with the latest tools, and showcasing the UAE's unique identity through globally resonant stories. We were overwhelmed with the level of talent we saw in the during the program - and look forward to bringing these projects to life."

Timur Bekmambetov, pioneer of the screenlife format, added, "Screenlife isn't just a new storytelling language, it's a real tool for social impact. It democratises access to cinema through technology and changes the idea that cinema belongs only to those with big connections and big budgets. Instead, screenlife makes cinema a platform for new voices and untold stories coming from emerging regions and underserved communities. All our best screenlife films were made by first-time filmmakers. And we hope this accelerator's finalist will soon be next."

This milestone underscores Image Nation Abu Dhabi's commitment to driving the future of filmmaking in the region. As the industry embraces new digital horizons, screenlife projects offer a fresh, cost-efficient way to craft impactful stories that resonate with today's audiences. By championing this innovative format, Image Nation Abu Dhabi is not only nurturing homegrown talent but also positioning the UAE as a global hub for cutting-edge cinematic storytelling.