Film industry insiders are heading to Abu Dhabi for showbiz expo

A host of influential movers and shakers in the film business will be in the capital for the inaugural Showbiz Expo.

An impressive line-up of industry insiders will appear at the inaugural International Showbiz Expo (ISBE) in the capital this month.

Organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the event will be held at Adnec from October 21 to 23.

Key industry figures taking part will include Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the president of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Edward R Pressman, a globally renowned Hollywood independent producer; Jamal Al Sharif, the chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission, the managing director of Dubai Studio City and Dubai Media City; Shaan Shahid, Pakistan’s leading actor and director; and many others from around the globe.

The expo will feature a series of discussions with panellists who will share their knowledge and discuss topics such as production, distribution, financing and other issues facing the industry.

There will also be a trade show covering all aspects of the industry, as well as movie screenings and social events.

Boone Isaacs will be the keynote speaker at the event, outlining the key components of the Academy how it serves its members, and the changes and challenges it faces.

Al Sharif and George David, the general manager of Royal Film Commission – Jordan, will lead an in-depth panel discussion on building an entertainment industry in the region.

Pressman, the producer of films such as Wall Street, The Crow and Conan, will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the ADFF opening night ceremony on October 23. With more than 90 diverse motion pictures and 30 years of experience to his credit, the native New Yorker has forged a formidable career and will conduct a film masterclass for a select audience of new regional producers and directors.

Shahid, a Pakistani actor, model and director who has starred in more than 500 movies, will talk about the growth of Pakistani cinema and potential for co-production ­opportunities.