Competition a huge success with high entry levels and superb standard from films

Image Nation Abu Dhabi, one of the leading media and entertainment companies in the Middle East, has announced the winners of its UAE National Day film competition, #WhyILoveUAE.

Members of the public were challenged to produce a short film explain the reasons why they love the UAE, in honour of the 44th Annual National Day celebrations.

John Haddad, 24, who picked up the top prize for his touching film about his childhood memories in Abu Dhabi, said of his experience: “There aren’t enough words for me to describe how elated I feel about winning this competition! I feel absolutely delighted to be part of this amazing competition that allows us to show and bring out our love for the UAE.  I’m so very grateful for this beautiful opportunity that Image Nation has given to me, this has been the best thing that has happened to me in 2015.

“My film  is completely based on my sincere, personal journey here in the UAE. I asked myself, if I were to leave one day, what would be the one thing I would look back at and remember? And so the answer was simple – it was my incredible memories.”

“National Day isn’t only about how the UAE has been united for 44 years, but it’s about the love that brings us all together as a whole. Having lived here my entire life, it makes me so very proud to see how this country is developing and how each and every single individual here is given the opportunity to represent the UAE with their passion and their love.”

John won the grand prize of having his filmed screened in VOX Cinemas across the country, a scholarship with New York Film Academy 5,000 AED and a DSLR camera. Second prize was awarded to Phillip Rachid from the Netherlands and third prize was awarded to Emirati Mohamed Nizar Luqman. The winners and top 10 finalists were honoured at an award ceremony for friends and family in Abu Dhabi. (Link to Images Below)

The #WhyILoveUAE campaign was supported by VOX Cinemas, New York Film Academy and utilized The Smovies by Brand Moxie and Tempo platforms.

The winning movies can be viewed below:

1st place – Connection by John Haddad

Winner of: Film screening at VOX Cinemas across the UAE, One week scholarship at New York Film Academy; 5,000 AED; DSLR camera.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3G5GPPV6m0

2nd place – Why I love UAE by Phillip Rachid

Winner of: 3,000 AED; DSLR camera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pepHn90Xfxg

3rd place – In The Grace of Love by Mohamed Nizar Luqman

Winner of: 2,000 AED; DSLR camera.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVtwtzEmqhU