The upcoming Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), as one of the top 10 film festivals in the world, has revealed details of its new Friends of the Festival packages.

Supporters will experience one of the world’s most renowned film festivals in true VIP style with daily tickets to the vast range of films DIFF has to offer, priority access to gala screenings and lavish post-screening parties, a statement said.

The package will also offer opportunities to rub shoulders with movie stars and cinema’s elite at exclusive conferences and events otherwise closed to the public.

Cite Blanchet, Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, George Clooney, Omar Sharif, and Emily Blunt are just a handful of the A-leisters who’ve made an appearance in years past.  

The new programme includes the most luxurious of packages the “Royal Package”. This premium insiders experience includes a unique range of benefits plus numerous ‘money can’t buy’ corporate entertaining opportunities and a spectacular three-night experience at the Cannes International Film Festival in 2016.

Due to the exclusivity of this package only a limited number of the ‘Royal Packages’ are available.

The Friends of the Festival programme not only provides once-in-a-lifetime festival experiences for film fanatics but also acts as a fund-raising platform that encourages art lovers, philanthropists and visionary business leaders within the UAE who recognize the cultural importance of the Dubai festival to contribute to its ongoing development.

Shivani Pandya, DIFF managing director said: “Our commitment to promote the Arab world’s rich culture and distinct identity on a world stage is a feat we could not achieve without support from our community.”

“We invite and encourage you to enjoy the Friends of the Festival programme this year not only for the host of exclusive benefits and VIP access it brings, but also to help support and accelerate the art of film in the region.

“We’ve seen the popularity of the packages grow year on year as we increase our base of loyal supporters, whether local film lovers, international travellers looking for a special Dubai experience or local business who want to give their clients or employees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As such, Friends of the Festival has become a significant foundation for arts funding across the Middle East and we’re hoping to see the same kind of support again this year,” she added.

Friends of the Festival packages are now available in three exclusive tiers - DIFF Gold, Platinum or Royal. Friends can take advantage of invitations to gala screenings and the pre-screening green room, the opening and closing ceremonies - including a hair and make-up session beforehand, and even access to the DIFF celebrity gift lounge.

Guests will also be invited to private events and conferences for a chance to interact with the stars as well as leading industry professionals at the Dubai Film Market. The benefits continue beyond the Festival itself with invites to exclusive film premieres throughout the year, and even travel and access to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for Royal package friends.

Friends of the Festival programmes are also available for group and corporate bookings.

Packages start from Dh8,000 ($2,177). The 12th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival will run from December 9 to 16. – TradeArabia News Service