The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has been included in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s list of the world’s top 15 film festivals for the second year running, reaffirming its status as a leading international film festival and a hub for filmmaking in the region. DIFF earned its spot on the magazine’s hot list as a platform to discover the best in Arab cinema and an exciting destination to mingle with A-list stars.

The list highlights the world’s most travel-worthy cinema events with DIFF being named alongside the most prestigious film festivals in the world including Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival.

The notable mention, which comes hot on the heels of DIFF’s ‘Favourite Cultural Event’ of the UAE accolade at the 2014 What’s On Awards, serves as a true testament to DIFF’s contribution to the region’s cinematic industry. Since its inception in 2004, DIFF has gone from strength to strength, helping to develop a thriving film culture within the region, provide greater opportunities for Arab filmmakers and offer an invaluable cultural benefit to the people of Dubai and the UAE.

Abdulhamid Juma, DIFF Chairman, said: “It’s a great privilege for DIFF to be recognized at an international level alongside some of the world’s most renowned festivals by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. The Festival has played a leading part in the development of a film culture locally, supporting hundreds of filmmakers through the Dubai Film Market and providing an international platform to cinema from the region.”