About us
Zahara Moufid and Jim Sheridan established DAFF in 2014 in a bid to allow Irish audiences the opportunity to enjoy some of the best new and classic Arab films ever made. The festival, which has been presented and supported since its inception by Dubai Duty Free, has had some very high-profile actors, filmmakers and celebrities involved with it over the years. Legendary, actor Omar Sharif launched the inaugural edition of DAFF in 2014 and was the guest of honour for the duration of the festival. Other famous faces who have supported the festival over the years have included The Edge, actress Fionnula Flanagan, singer Damien Dempsey and Liam Cunningham of ‘Game of Throne’s’ fame.
Oscar Nominated Filmmaker and DAFF President ,Jim Sheridan said, “The medium of film provides us with an escape mechanism and in these strange times it’s important to be able to escape, even in our minds and even if just for a short time. We were very hopeful to have the event in person this year, but unfortunately due to Covid it is once again a virtual affair. However, even though people can’t few these films in person in the cinema our films can still be enjoyed online by our virtual audience from the comfort of their own home. We hope DAFF, its films and the stories and people they portray will continue to inspire audiences and to help bring a welcome and creative distraction from the current situation “
Filmmaker and DAFF Director, Zahara Moufid, explained why she started the festival :“ ‘I often get asked why I decided to start an Arabic film festival in Dublin: my main goal was to give a voice to the Arab Filmmakers especially Arab women and Moroccan Filmmakers working in Film” .
Colm McLoughlin Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, the presenting sponsor of DAFF offered his congratulations to the festival organisers and said, “I am very impressed with the innovation and determination shown by both Jim Sheridan and Zahara Moufid in these challenging times. I would like to congratulate all involved and are once again delighted that Dubai Duty Free is the presenting sponsor of DAFF for the eighth year running.”
Ahmad Younis, Secretary General and CEO of the Arab- Irish Chamber of Commerce said, “The AICC has been a sponsor of DAFF since the festival began in 2014. During this time, we have been proud to have been able to share some of our most beloved Arab films with Irish audiences. Our involvement with DAFF allows us to strengthen our Arab- Irish relationships and helps strengthen both our business and cultural ties.”
For more information see www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com
Oscar Nominated Filmmaker and DAFF President ,Jim Sheridan said, “The medium of film provides us with an escape mechanism and in these strange times it’s important to be able to escape, even in our minds and even if just for a short time. We were very hopeful to have the event in person this year, but unfortunately due to Covid it is once again a virtual affair. However, even though people can’t few these films in person in the cinema our films can still be enjoyed online by our virtual audience from the comfort of their own home. We hope DAFF, its films and the stories and people they portray will continue to inspire audiences and to help bring a welcome and creative distraction from the current situation “
Filmmaker and DAFF Director, Zahara Moufid, explained why she started the festival :“ ‘I often get asked why I decided to start an Arabic film festival in Dublin: my main goal was to give a voice to the Arab Filmmakers especially Arab women and Moroccan Filmmakers working in Film” .
Colm McLoughlin Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, the presenting sponsor of DAFF offered his congratulations to the festival organisers and said, “I am very impressed with the innovation and determination shown by both Jim Sheridan and Zahara Moufid in these challenging times. I would like to congratulate all involved and are once again delighted that Dubai Duty Free is the presenting sponsor of DAFF for the eighth year running.”
Ahmad Younis, Secretary General and CEO of the Arab- Irish Chamber of Commerce said, “The AICC has been a sponsor of DAFF since the festival began in 2014. During this time, we have been proud to have been able to share some of our most beloved Arab films with Irish audiences. Our involvement with DAFF allows us to strengthen our Arab- Irish relationships and helps strengthen both our business and cultural ties.”
For more information see www.dublinarabicfilmfestival.com