HollyShorts Film Fest Launches in Dubai, Expanding Global Reach

In a major move, the HollyShorts Film Festival is poised to expand its global footprint with the launch of a new edition in Dubai this December. The prestigious short film showcase, which has spent two decades building a reputation in the competitive space, is now set to establish a presence in the Middle East.

The Dubai launch, scheduled for December 12-14, 2025, will give regional filmmakers a direct path to Academy Awards consideration, as HollyShorts holds Oscar-qualifying status across four categories. This strategic move positions the festival to capitalize on the growing demand for bite-sized storytelling across streaming platforms, while maintaining its role as a crucial launchpad for emerging talent.

To spearhead the Middle East expansion, HollyShorts co-founder Theo Dumont has enlisted industry veteran Jeff Pryor, who brings extensive global event experience from his tenure at MGM Studios and Priority PR. Pryor's expertise in orchestrating high-profile events, including a buzzy Cannes "speed boat brunch" that reintroduced Miramax to the market, is expected to be a valuable asset in establishing HollyShorts' presence in the region.

The Dubai launch follows the festival's successful debut in London last year, cementing HollyShorts' European foothold as it plots further territorial expansion. Back in Hollywood, the mothership event is set to celebrate its 21st edition from August 7-17, 2025, at the TCL Chinese Theatres, with global streaming via Bitpix. This year's programming has drawn from a record 7,000 worldwide submissions, yielding a starry lineup that includes renowned names such as Stephen Fry, Lena Waithe, Idris Elba, and Chloe Sevigny.