New award announced for next year’s Diff

As the curtain went down on Saturday on the 10th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff), the Security Media Department at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced a new award for next year's edition. The MoI's Award for the Best Societal Screenplay, with a prize worth over Dh3.67 million, shall be granted as of next year. Child protection will be the theme of the inaugural award, which will cover the dimensions of child protection. Lieutenant Colonel Faisal Al Shammari indicated that the Award was established upon the directives of the police leadership with respect to launching awareness-raising programmes and initiatives. "The police leadership also strives to create a societal film culture to enhance security culture locally and internationally, in pursuance of the Ministry of Interior's vision,” added Al Shammari. "The award will recognise the best screenplay that deals with all topics related to child protection and safety, with the aim of calling attention to the situation of abused or neglected children,” added Al Shammari. The Director of the Child Protection Centre noted that the Award serves as recognition to filmmakers' contribution. "It reflects the valuable role played by the film industry and filmmakers, who can efficiently communicate with different society segments,” pointed out Al Shammari. Moreover, he indicated that the film industry has left its mark in the efforts geared towards enhancing social awareness and delivering awareness messages to all community members. Al Shammari also explained that launching the Award with child protection as the main theme for the award's inaugural edition coincide with the government's efforts and initiatives to approve the Child Rights Law, which is currently being discussed at the Federal National Council. Source: Gulf News