Abu Dhabi to stop hosting international film festival

Author: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: Updated:
MGN

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Organizers of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival say that after eight years, they are shutting down the annual international event even as the oil-rich emirate attracts greater attention from Hollywood filmmakers.

The Media Zone Authority-Abu Dhabi announced the move Thursday, saying it wants to put greater focus on supporting local and Arab talent and attracting filmmakers to the region.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the seven-state United Arab Emirates federation, which also includes the commercial hub of Dubai.

Scenes from the latest of the “Fast and Furious” films, “Furious 7,” were filmed in Abu Dhabi, as were parts of the forthcoming “Star Wars” film.

Abu Dhabi has held a film festival every year since 2007. Dubai launched its own three years earlier and continues to host the annual festival.

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