The World of Women’s Cinema – WOW Film Fair Middle East is the first women’s short film fair that promotes and awards the talents of women directors, producers, writers, editors and cinematographers in the film industry internationally. It is an event that offers emerging and established filmmakers the opportunity to screen short works giving a thematic perspective of … “seeing the world through the eyes of women”.

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Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Hermoine Macura: We are the first and only women’s film festival across the Middle East’s 22 Arab countries.

We offer a platform to recognize women of excellence in film as well as offer a platform for new and upcoming women film makers as well as men who direct films with a strong female narrative. We source, promote, educate and support women filmmakers in our region most of all.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2018)?

We have 2 full days of screenings, workshops and panel discussions as well as a gala dinner to recognize our winners as well as other leading women in our community. There is something for everyone. We are community event.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

You can find out more about submissions here:
http://wowmiddleeast.com/submissions

We select the finalists based on a variety of facets including style, script, content and creativity. We also like to support young people with an award especially for up and coming directors.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

Yes – it’s tough out there and there are so many entries so sometimes you can be
overlooked. It’s even worse if you’re a woman – just look at the statistics.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

As a woman in leadership, I believe it is a divine responsibly to give back and due to my success in the media I felt this was the best way to do so. When I reached the top in my career, I realized there was hardly any women there which is why I felt a deep need to launch our project. Also the greatest breakthroughs in society happen first in media and arts and in the expression of those who dare to dream.

How has your Film Freeway submission process been?

Amazing – as a non-profit project. They make things so much easier and are so
professional.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

A major part of Expo 2020 – to be held in Dubai. A leading festival globally. A platform for local talent.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

All the mafia ones – they inspire me and anything Pacino or directed by a woman.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

The script and story-telling style as well as unique direction etc.

How is the film scene in your city?

It’s developing and growing year on year. It’s really exciting to watch the new
generation open up and express themselves as well as share it with the world! We
have a wonderful ruler here – His Highness, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, the Vice President and ruler of Dubai – who is a major supporter of the
youth and women. There has never been a better time than now to be in our part of the Middle East.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

SUBMIT your TV PILOT Screenplay or TV SPEC Script Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.

SUBMIT your Short Screenplay or FEATURE Script FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed