EXCLUSIVE: Iraqi-Kurdish filmmaker Philip Rachid has been announced as a speaker at the upcoming HollyShorts Dubai as its inaugural edition takes shape.
The event, which is a spin-off of the popular long-running Oscar qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival in L.A., will run from December 12 to 14.
Rachid, who was born in Bulgaria and raised in the Netherlands, is a long-time Dubai resident. He made his short film debut in 2012 with Zol’a.
Other works include Happy Birthday, which was shot entirely on a Samsung phone, won the Samsung Short Film Competition prize at Dubai International Film Festival in 2014, and the award-winning 2018 work She, following seven women living in the UAE as they try to fulfil their life goals.
He continues to make innovative content under the banner of Soultrotter Productions, and is also an active mentor and cultural consultant dedicated to shaping the next generation of UAE filmmakers.
“I am truly honored and excited to participate in the inaugural HollyShorts Dubai,” said Rachid. “Dubai is a city that inspires my work and provides a vital platform for global storytellers. I look forward to sharing my experiences and perspectives with the next generation of filmmakers”.
Former MGM veteran Jeff Pryor, who was announced as the inaugural edition’s strategic advisor in August, welcomed Rachid’s participation.
“Philip’s career—from his start in the Netherlands to his powerful voice for marginalized communities—perfectly embodies the global storytelling spirit that HollyShorts champions,” said Pryor. “His unique perspective and success in this region will be an incredible source of inspiration for our attendees.”
Other highlights of the speakers program will include keynote addresses by director Faisal Hashmi (Amber, Wicken) and director and cinematographer Shadi AbuSharar (Stand Up! Ya Arab!) as well as masterclasses with HollyShorts Grand Prix winner Ammar Galal and SAE University College Dubai Head of Film Razan Takash. There will also be a presentation by Illusion Studios on the future of AI in filmmaking.
