Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has silenced rising speculation about the event by announcing that the 15th edition of the event will indeed take place but not in 2018 as originally expected. As part of a strategic shift, the festival’s organiser has announced that the event will take place every two years with the 15th edition scheduled for 2019.

Speaking about the shift, Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman Dubai Film and TV Commission commented: “With the vast changes taking place both in the regional and global movie-making and content industry, we are seeking to redefine the Dubai International Film Festival’s approach towards nurturing growth, creativity and talent. Innovative new approaches and technologies are transforming the distribution of content and the craft of movie-making. As a forward-thinking player in the global film industry, DIFF seeks to embrace the future of the industry through this strategic shift.

“The Festival will continue its significant contribution to the development of the industry, as we look forward to celebrating with the public, film lovers and industry professionals in 2019. We will announce the final dates, details and the new programme as soon as confirmed.”

Dubai International Film Festival has celebrated cinema over the past 14 years, with almost 2,000 screenings including 500 films from the Arab world, helped more than 300 films from the region reach completion, facilitated funding and partnership for a further 140, supported more than 200 talented Arab filmmakers through the Festival’s Muhr Awards, and driven tourism across the city.