Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has initiated the open call for the Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition, which is part of the fourth Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival. The competition is designed to enhance the local film industry, offering a fresh platform for filmmakers to showcase their skills and inspire new talent. Dubai Culture extends an invitation to all budding filmmakers and creatives from around the world to participate and submit their entries for the festival's competition. The application period runs from August 14 to September 30, followed by a screening and evaluation process by a committee of experts, directors, and filmmakers. The finalists will compete for awards at the festival held in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve from January 3 to 12, 2025. The competition features four categories: documentaries, animated films, live-action, and films utilizing artificial intelligence. Entries will be judged based on quality and content, with a focus on original, recent works not previously exhibited at any festival. Participants must ensure their films are between 3 and 30 minutes long, inoffensive to public morals, and fully rights-owned. The festival aims to foster the film industry's sustainability in the region, creating a collaborative environment for industry professionals to exchange knowledge and inspire new talent. It also offers a unique cultural experience for the public and supports emerging filmmakers, allowing them to display their creativity and advance their skills towards professional standards. The previous edition of the festival showcased over 70 films from Emirati, Gulf, Arab, and international filmmakers, with 56 short films competing in the three categories. The festival included a series of expert-led talks and workshops, as well as exhibitions and artworks reflecting the history of cinema.