ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the proliferation of film festivals in the Arab Gulf region and how they become sites for self-representation and business. It proposes a fresh approach to studying the relation between the structures and settings of Gulf film festivals, and the development of the Khaleeji film industry from within. Khaleeji refers to people of the Gulf, especially those associated with the Gulf Cooperation Council states; Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Kuwait. The sudden sympathy from governments for filmmaking and the arts, in general, was crucial to satisfying domestic industry expectations. The distribution-deal with Gulf Film, VOX Cinemas, Empire International, Front Row Filmed Entertainment and the Kuwait National Cinema Company in 2014 required each of Emirate distributors to pick at least one Arab title screening at the festival and secure its theatrical distribution throughout the region. It concludes that Dubai International Film Festival and the Saudi Film Festival, while meant to promote the Untied Arab Emirates, that is exotic touristic destination, have indirectly enforced the Western image of Arab Gulf people as desert dwellers.
