Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) an initiative by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) today announced the call for entries for the fourth annual Shasha Grant competition, the $100,000 screenwriting contest designed to develop the careers of outstanding film makers from the Middle East. This year for the first time, ADFC has opened the entries to include Arabic-language scripts.

"The Shasha Grant brings much needed exposure to emerging talent in the fast-growing Middle Eastern film market and underlines our commitment to develop and promote the next generation of filmmakers from the region, and by accepting Arabic language scripts we aim to encourage more Arabic entries, " said Eissa Saif Al Mazrouei, Special Projects Director, ADACH "The Shasha competition brings together a spectacular concentration of up-and-coming Middle Eastern film makers every year," said ADFC Director David Shepheard. "We are excited to embark on the next round, and look forward to helping a new group of talented individuals from across the region grow as film makers and advance their careers."

The 2009 Shasha Grant winner Haifaa Al Mansour was selected for her film Wajda, the story of a free-spirited 11 year-old Saudi girl coming of age in a restrictive society. Al Mansour, who traveled to Abu Dhabi with four other finalists to pitch her project to a panel of experts at the Circle Conference, was the recipient of a $100,000 development grant. Last year’s runner up, Annemarie Jacir, received a trip to the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) for her project "When I Saw You" as part of a partnership between Abu Dhabi Film Commission and the Melbourne International Film Festival, 37 Degrees South Market.

Shasha Grant entries are due by 1st July 2010. All scripts can be submitted in English or Arabic language and the applicant must be comfortable pitching their projects in either English or Arabic.

20 scripts will be shortlisted on 13th August 2010 and 6 finalists will be announced on 20th September 2010. The finalists will travel to Abu Dhabi to participate in the Circle Conference where the writers and directors will pitch their scripts to the Shasha Grant jury. One winner will be announced during the 2010 Circle Conference and will receive a 100,000 USD development grant from Abu Dhabi Film Commission.
 

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