The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has broken submission records this year by receiving 1800 films representing 111 countries.

Among the record numbers of international films submitted for review, the biggest numbers were recorded for the Muhr Awards, which will debut the new AsiaAfrica competition at this year’s festival.

400 films have been found eligible for the now-iconic Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema, which is an increase of 33 per cent over last year’s submissions.

The newly introduced AsiaAfrica segment, dedicated to launching the careers of filmmakers from emerging markets, received nearly 450 entries in its first year further proving the need for the dedicated segment.

The Muhr Awards boast some of the most generous cash prizes among international film festivals, totaling almost $576,000.

“The high number of entries represents a stellar first year for the new AsiaAfrica segment of the Muhr Awards, as well as steady growth in the Arab Cinema segment,' said Masoud Amralla Al Ali, DIFF’s artistic director.

'DIFF is committed to raising visibility for emerging talent and we are confident that viewers will be able to discover hidden gems from around the world at this year’s festival.'

The Muhr Awards sees participation from all over the Arab world, as well as Africa and Asia.

The Arab Cinema competition saw entries from 35 countries, with Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Palestine and Lebanon representing a strong majority.

The AsiaAfrica competition received entries from 33 countries where entries came mainly from Iran, Turkey, India, China and Thailand.

The fifth edition of DIFF will run from December 11 to 18.-TradeArabia News Service