Nineteen films have been withdrawn from the Bahrain Film Festival (BFF) after a distribution company that submitted them allegedly demanded a fee from organisers for showcasing the movies.
According to a statement made on the festival’s Instagram account, the Egypt-based company reportedly requested a payment from them after the films were reviewed and shortlisted by the BFF jury panel for screening.
When the request was denied, the distribution firm asked for the films, one of which was Bahraini, to be removed from the line-up.
BFF organisers expressed disappointment over the move, noting that it goes against their mission to create an equal platform for Arab talent and shine a bright spotlight on Bahrain and the region’s cinematic prowess.
“The company applied with 19 movies and once they were accepted, they unexpectedly asked us for a fee,” a festival representative told the GDN.
“We were surprised, as they were the ones who approached us – not the other way around. It would have been different had we invited them to participate or asked for their help, but that wasn’t the case.
“When we refused to pay, they requested the withdrawal of all 19 films from the festival.”
Rights
The representative added that creatives and distribution companies could apply for the event.
“Films are often submitted by individual filmmakers as well as distribution firms,” the representative said, explaining that the companies had rights over films submitted by them.
“This means that if a company submits a film, the filmmaker does not have a say even if it’s withdrawn.”
Organisers emphasised that the festival’s purpose is to welcome participation from all kinds of creatives and filmmakers.
“This festival isn’t about earning money,” the organiser pointed out, adding that the films submitted were from various countries in the region.
“By doing this, sadly the people hurt the most are the filmmakers, one of which was Bahraini, and they must have been excited to have their film featured in the competition.”
A total of 686 films from 25 Arab countries were submitted to the festival between March 20 and July 20.
Creatives had to submit their works in five categories – Bahraini films, short narratives, short documentaries, animations and student movies.
The fifth edition of the festival, organised by the Bahrain Cinema Club, will be held from October 30 to November 3, aiming to highlight Arab talent.
The fourth edition, held last year, featured an impressive line-up of Arab movies and a red-carpet event that celebrated both established and emerging voices in the industry. It generated 481 submissions from 23 Arab countries, of which 89 were selected to advance into the competition.
Hosted at Marassi Bahrain’s Reel Cinemas and supported by the Information Ministry, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and the Saudi Film Commission, the festival was launched as part of the Manama: Capital of Arab Media.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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