The UAE has become a hub for entertainment in recent years, with popular franchises like Mission Impossible and Dune choosing to shoot in the country’s vast desert landscapes. The country also hosts regular theatre and dinner shows catering to a diverse audience. One such event currently taking place is the ‘We Create Drama’ film festival in Dubai, hosted by Paramount Hotel Dubai. Now in its third season, the festival provides an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work and network within the industry. Attendees can enjoy films set against the backdrop of the hotel’s movie-inspired locales and participate in masterclasses on scriptwriting and filmmaking.
The ‘We Create Drama’ film festival was conceived in 2021 by Pascal Eggerstedt, General Manager of Paramount Hotel Dubai, and Creative Producer Nicolas Naim. Naim emphasizes the uniqueness of the hotel’s screening room and its role in setting the hotel apart as a representation of the Paramount Studios entertainment brand. The festival aims to give storytellers a platform to showcase their films within the cinematic hotel’s premises. It has seen participation from filmmakers worldwide, making it a creative hub for all involved.
The festival’s grand finale, scheduled for late May, will feature a dazzling preview of exceptional contributions, with awards such as “Film of the Year” and distinctions for various categories like Director, Actor, and Writer of the Year. Winners will receive rewards including cutting-edge Nikon equipment and exclusive experiences at the Paramount Hotel Dubai. Naim, as the Creative Producer, ensures that filmmakers have all they need and maintains the balance between the ongoing film festival and the hotel’s guest experience. The festival also boasts a skilled panel of judges, some of whom have Golden Globes backgrounds.
Aside from his role as a Creative Producer, Naim is an actor and director with a passion for storytelling. Having grown up in both Dubai and the US, he pursued his interest in film and theatre by studying in New York. Naim’s background in hospitality led him to create content and marketing campaigns for hotels before joining Paramount Hotel Dubai as a creative director. He continues to perform in immersive experiences at the hotel, incorporating his love for acting and storytelling into these events. Naim believes in the power of acting to create a immersive experience, drawing guests into the alternative universe of Paramount.
Dubai’s theatre scene has a tight-knit community of actors, with groups like Musical Theatre DXV staging independent shows. Live dinner show concepts have also gained popularity in the city, offering a unique entertainment experience for guests. Naim highlights the significance of immersive experiences in a world dominated by AI, where people increasingly appreciate one-on-one interactions and live entertainment. With Dubai’s growing presence in the immersive experience world, opportunities for actors and storytellers continue to expand in the region. As a method actor, Naim finds acting to be a personal and fulfilling experience, allowing him to immerse himself fully in character to create memorable performances.
