DUBAI: The Abu Dhabi Film Commission, the Israel Film Fund and the Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film and Television School have signed a cooperation agreement for training and production, a joint statement said on Monday.
The agreement includes plans for an annual regional film festival rotating between Abu Dhabi and Israel.
Plans for a regional film festival to showcase Emirati and Israeli productions and co-productions were also announced on Monday.
“This agreement strengthens cultural ties between our creative industries as well as supports the development of Abu Dhabi’s film and TV sector,†Mohamed Al-Mubarak, chairman of twofour54 and Image Nation Abu Dhabi, said in a released statement.
 “The art of film is a universal language which can serve as a bridge between cultures and people,â€. Lisa Shiloach-Uzrad, executive director of IFF added. “I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for collaboration through which we can learn, create and become closer to our neighbors in the Middle East.â€
The agreement is based on four key initiatives, including on bilateral workshops, training, education, the International Film Lab and a regional film festival.
Training programs will be developed for filmmakers from both countries, with the aim of developing Abu Dhabi-Israel film and TV co-productions.
