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twofour54, the company driving Abu Dhabi’s development as a centre of excellence for world-class Arabic media and entertainment content, will collaborate with Nayla Al Khaja, the multi-award winning UAE filmmaker, as part of its efforts to build a sustainable Arabic media industry in the Emirate.

Nayla is currently preparing for the production of her latest movie ‘Mallal’ (Bored), the story of an Emirati couple on their honeymoon, which will be the first film to be produced by a UAE National outside the UAE. twofour54 will provide support through its world-class production facilities, with a view to Nayla establishing a full-time presence at twofour54’s content creation community.

twofour54 will also provide funding for three UAE National filmmakers to accompany Nayla for the duration of the shoot, where they will receive on hands on training in the art of film making. With a team that includes a production manager from the forthcoming film ‘Life of Pi’, which will see a worldwide release in 2012, this promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these aspiring young filmmakers.

Talking about the partnership with twofour54 Nayla Al Khaja, said: “I have followed the development of twofour54 with considerable interest since its launch. I now have the opportunity to work with them, on a project that is dear to my heart, while at the same time helping pass on my industry knowledge to the next generation of UAE National filmmakers.”

“There are many Emiratis who have the talent and the ideas, but have lacked the infrastructure that is required to turn their ideas into reality. However, that is changing fast and they are now being given the right support and opportunities. I hope to work closely with twofour54 to contribute to the UAE’s growing media industry.”

“One of twofour54’s key roles is the development of the media industry talent pool in the UAE,” added Wayne Borg, Chief Operating Officer at twofour54. “We have a number of skills development schemes underway as well as initiatives to provide seed funding and operational support to young Emirati entrepreneurs and media businesses.

“We hope that the experience gained by these young Emiratis will inspire them to follow a career in the film business and ultimately become the future leaders of the UAE’s media industry. We jumped at the opportunity to work with Nayla on this project and have already started looking at establishing a long-term relationship,” he concluded.

Once production of ‘Mallal’ has been completed, Nayla and twofour54 will showcase the film at major international film festivals, where she hopes that it will be successful in promoting UAE culture and talent to audiences around the world.

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