From multiple script submissions to twelve powerful short films, We Create Drama has already taken filmmakers on a journey from page to screen. After an overwhelming response, the judging panel expanded the finalist list from ten to twelve, recognising the depth of talent across the region.
Over weeks of filming, editing and late-night creative sparks, these stories have come to life. And now, the festival returns, bigger than ever, with Paramount Hotel Midtown joining Paramount Hotel Dubai for a week-long celebration of bold storytelling and cinematic vision. 
This year’s festival is brought to life in collaboration with Nikon Middle East FZE, Aputure Middle East, Grand Stores, Westford University and Scripted Events, whose continued support plays a starring role in empowering the next generation of filmmakers.
The drama unfolds in three acts: an Opening Ceremony, filmmaking workshops from this year’s talented judges and a grand Closing Awards Night, each set against the glamour-soaked backdrops of the iconic Paramount Hotels.
ACT I: The Opening Scene
Where every conversation begins a new story.
With the competition now complete, the festival opens its curtains on the evening of 21st June, as the city skyline sets the stage for an unforgettable gathering at Malibu Sky Lounge, atop Paramount Hotel Midtown. From 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, guests will mingle with the creative forces behind this year’s films: our talented filmmakers and esteemed judges during a night brimming with conversation, connection and creative energy.
“We’re not just opening a festival; we’re setting the scene for a new generation of storytellers by staying true to our brand identity. Every film starts with a spark and this evening is where it begins,” says Pascal Eggerstedt, General Manager at Paramount Hotel Midtown.
ACT II: Behind the Scenes – The Workshops
Where stories are sharpened and visionaries are born.
The spotlight shifts behind the camera as the festival invites aspiring creatives into the inner sanctum of filmmaking. Across two immersive evenings, the judges will lead in-depth workshops designed to unlock the craft of storytelling from script to screen.
The first workshop unfolds on 25th June at 6:00 PM in the Screening Room at Paramount Hotel Dubai, where guests will dive into the fundamentals of screenwriting, character development and visual storytelling. The second takes place on 26th June from 6:00 PM onwards at DAMAC Maison Aykon City, where the focus turns to direction, camera work and the art of translating vision into moving picture.
This is where technical mastery meets creative instinct. Participants won’t just leave inspired, they’ll leave empowered, ready to bring their stories to life with confidence and clarity.
ACT III: The Grand Finale – Closing & Awards Ceremony
Where dreams take centre stage and stories find their standing ovation.
On 29th June from 5:30 PM onwards, the curtain rises one final time at Paramount Hotel Dubai, marking the grand conclusion of this year’s We Create Drama Film Festival.
The evening begins in the iconic Screening Room, where all participating films will be showcased, each frame a labour of love, each story a testament to unfiltered imagination. Then, as the final credits fade, the spotlight shifts to the most anticipated moment of the week: the official Awards Ceremony.
What follows is a celebration of sheer talent and bold vision, with honours presented in categories that matter:
- Film of the Year
- Director of the Year
- Actor and Actress of the Year
- Script of the Year
- DOP of the Year
The winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of industry experts including award-winning directors, producers, and actors from across the globe, such as Mohammed Mamdouh, Egyptian film and television star; Razan Takash, acclaimed Jordanian director and Head of Film at SAE; Jingyu Liu, an award-winning filmmaker celebrated at Oscar-qualifying festivals; Mylène Gomera, a West End actress and voiceover artist for major global titles; Mohammad Rezaie from Nikon, Bethoven Filomeno from Westford University, Faisal Hasmi and Jamila Ibrahim, all respected creators in the regional film and media space. The panel also includes Nicolas Naim Zaboura, the festival’s founder and creative force behind immersive cinematic storytelling at Paramount Hotels.
The recognition goes beyond applause. Winners will walk away with cutting-edge filmmaking gear from Nikon Middle East, Zhiyun and Aputure, as well as unforgettable luxury experiences at Paramount Hotels that promise to keep the creative fire burning long after the spotlight fades.
“We’ve watched stories unfold, characters transform and visions come to life. This final evening is more than a celebration, it’s tribute to the creative courage of every filmmaker who dared to tell their story,” says Nicholas Chalmers, General Manager of Paramount Hotel Dubai.
From skyline soirées and immersive workshops to red-carpet moments, We Create Drama is a movement crafted for dreamers, creators and lovers of bold storytelling.