The Abu Dhabi Film Festival ( ADFF ) was another key international film festival in the larger Arab region . Created in 2007 , the ceremony was held annually in October in Abu Dhabi , UAE by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage ( ADACH ) , under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan , Chairman of the ADACH . The ADFF aimed to encourage and foster the growth of filmmaking in the Arab world by showcasing movies from the region alongside standout productions from prominent international filmmakers . The first festival debuted with 152 movies and 186 screenings shown in five Abu Dhabi venues . A total of 76 feature films and 34 short films from over 35 countries competed for the Black Pearl Awards
Abu Dhabi Film Festival
Abu Dhabi Film Festival
Arab cinema