YallaTV Marks First Anniversary as Leading Internet Portal for Independent Arab Filmmakers

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct. 9, 2012 - Today over 600 Arab filmmakers are reaching new viewers and larger audiences across North Africa and the Middle East by presenting their work on YallaTV--the first and only internet platform designed to connect Arab filmmakers to viewers and to each other.

“The launch of YallaTV in October, 2011, came at a pivotal moment in the development of the Arab film industry,” explains Aaron Spring, director of marketing for YallaTV.  “By enabling Arab filmmakers to premiere their work on the internet and tap into the fastest growing segment of the media marketplace, we are empowering a new generation to express their vision, hone their craft and build their careers.”

Currently, YallaTV showcases over 60 Arabic-language films on a video-on-demand format, enabling filmmakers to share their points of view, receive audience feedback, communicate with other filmmakers, and explore opportunities to earn revenue for their work.

“There are many talented directors and producers in the Arab world who make fine films, but who have not had the opportunity to present their work to a wider audience,” states Rana Hdeib, producer for YallaTV.   “We created YallaTV as a unique platform to serve these emerging filmmakers and grow an online audience community, which will help develop the Arab film industry even further.”

Winner of the prestigious “Best Arabic Website – Media and Communications” award at the Internet Awards Middle East 2012, YallaTV has significantly expanded the number of titles streamed on the site, the roster of registered users, and the size of the online viewing audience.  YallaTV also pays licensing fees to selected Arab filmmakers to encourage the production of innovative and expressive work.

As it enters its second year, YallaTV is increasing its commitment to the professional development of the Arab filmmaking community.  YallaTV recently completed the call for entries for its first Middle East Virtual Film Festival.  “Many thanks to the talented filmmakers from North Africa, the Levant and the Arabian Gulf submitting their short films to our festival,” says Aaron Spring.  “Online voting will start in October to determine the winners in the animation, comedy, documentary, drama and performance categories, and we look forward to announcing first, second and third-place winners in November.”

Recognizing the arrival of YallaTV on the digital media landscape, a growing number of film festivals in the Middle East are collaborating with YallaTV to help filmmakers reach their artistic and commercial potential.  In April, 2013, YallaTV has been invited to collaborate with DocuDays in Beirut, Lebanon and serve as panel members and jurors for the Arabic short films and documentary categories.

A key initiative for YallaTV during 2013 will be to expand YallaSawa, the first social network dedicated to bringing Arab filmmakers together.  “We see YallaSawa as an especially useful social networking tool for filmmakers,” says Aaron Spring.  “Whether you’re making introductions, looking for crew, sharing references, recommending films, promoting new work or asking for advice, YallaSawa is a ready-made resource.  We welcome feedback from the production community to make YallaSawa even better.”

To meet Arab filmmakers and acquire new titles, YallaTV has been invited to many of the top regional film festivals. YallaTV plans to attend the Dubai International Film festival in December, 2012.

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About YallaTV

YallaTV is the leading video-on-demand portal serving Arabic filmmakers.  It delivers Arabic language content to audiences in the Middle East and supports a growing on-line community of filmmakers and fans to promote the growth and professionalism of the Arab film industry.

See YallaTV online at www.yallatv.me, on Facebook and on Twitter.