Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, President of Zayed University, praised the video production skills of the students who showcased their work at the 9th Zayed University Middle East Film Festival, ZUMEFF, which held its closing ceremony at Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi.

The three-day student film festival received 145 submissions from around the Middle East, and 15 finalists were selected and screened.

"Today, I believe that I am applauding future movie directors. They are rising stars, especially when we have noticed the international recognition received by previous ZUMEFF winners, who screened their work around various international film festivals," Al Qasimi said.

The event was attended by Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khaled Al Nahyan, and Maryam Al Mheiri, CEO of the Media Zone Authority - Abu Dhabi, MZA, and Twofour54, as well as diplomats, media representatives and movie enthusiasts.

Dr. Marilyn Roberts, Zayed University Provost, expressed her gratitude to the students and faculty members who worked on achieving outstanding performances.

"When I first came here nine years ago, the idea of the Zayed Film Festival was the dream of two students at the university for their graduation project. I support and encourage the festival’s hosting each year, for students by students, as the symbol of dedication and motivation for emerging students in this field,"Dr. Roberts said.

Prof. Pam Creedon, Acting Dean of the College of Communications and Media Sciences at Zayed University, said, "This year's ZUMEFF was exceptional, especially as it showcased the UAE’s Year of Zayed celebrations as a new category in short films. The category calls for a short film that will highlight the life of the nation’s founding father and remind us of his remarkable achievements, humanitarian efforts, and endless devotion to his people and country."

"I am proud to say that our students and their faculty advisors, Alia Yunis and Sascha Ritter, have, for nine consecutive years, established a remarkable festival, which has now spread around the region, and shall soon be known around the world," she added.

ZUMEEF Awardees The Year of Zayed Award was won by Hooreya Al Muflahi from Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, for her short film, "Sheikh Zayed’s 100th birthday."

The Best of the Best Award was won by Farouk Al Jammal from the IESAV St. Joesph University, Lebanon, for his movie, "RANDA."

The Best Audio Documentary award went to Ahmed Hosam Refai from the American University in Cairo for "Catfishing in the Nile."

"Odyssey" by Mariam Al Romaithi from the High Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi won the ZUMEFF Happiness, Positivity and Tolerance Award.

"Long Road" by Adel Essam from Animsquad Eygpt/USA won the award for Best Animation.

The Best Narrative Award went to "Close your Eyes Well," a movie directed by Ali Albayati from the University of Baghdad, Iraq.

The Best Documentary Award went to Noor Abu Ghaniah from Palestine, for her film "Dar Al-Kalima."

The Twofour54 Emerging Filmmaker Award went to "The Risk" by Shaimaa Albuainain Almazrouei from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi.

Honourable mentions went to "From A to Bee" by Maryam Moustafa and "Changing the World: Bit by Bit" by Ahmed Geaissa, both from the American University of Sharjah.

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