What an amazing event it was with over 600 delegates from 30 counties attending the conference.

The conference this year was less Hollywood and more local film industry focused which in my opinion is a good thing. While it is good to be inspired and aware of the way things are done in Hollywood it is better for the Arabic film industry to be mindful of the way other film industries have developed but to adapt and invent a model which is better suited to the region and more effectively handle the challenges associated with local content global film distribution.

The keynote address by Tunisian Producer Tarak Ben Ammar was well presented and highlighted the impressive list of accomplishments that have put Tunisia on the location map for many international film makers and production companies. Mr Tarak placed emphasis on the importance of nurturing and assisting emerging film makers within the region, as the future of regional story telling rest on them.

There were many panel discussion throughout the conference covering a list or pertinent region specific film making topics such as 'Regional co-production', 'Moving from Short Films to Features', 'producing Sports programming', 'Funding independent Features in a Global Market', "Women in Film', 'Documentary Co-Production', 'The Emerging Middle East Market', "The role of the Sales Agent' and 'Reshaping Creativity - Story Reinvented' which discussed the media cross platform of film and the many ways web and mobile platform delivery can augmentate the 'linear' film viewing process.

These sessions gave us all something to think about and perhaps even modify our way of thinking on how to tackle what seems to be the insurmountable task of getting ideas out of our head and onto the screen.

Of particular interest was the panel discussion 'Success Stories - focus on Jordan' chaired by HRH Princess Rym Ali of Jordan. This was an inspiring discussion which examined the aspirations and success of the Jordan Royal Film Commission in raising the profile of Jordan as a location destination for foreign film makers and the win-win strategy for the producers and the Jordanian people alike. Of course much pride was taken by the recent success of the Oscar Winning Kathryn Bigelow film 'The Hurt Locker' which was filmed in Jordan. Be it a discussion forum or an advertorial session for the Royal Film Commission, at the end of the day one is left with a very positive impression of the 'can do' attitude of the commission and the shocking revelation that they do NOT charge for their Film Commission Services!

In my opinion one of the great successes of the conference was the education day which enabled many young students and aspiring film makers to get a feel for what is it like at the business end of the film industry and to participate in the conference. Another brilliant stroke of genius was the "Quiet on the Set' event designed specifically for students which simulated a real film shoot with cast and crew filming a short scene live in front of the student audience. In addition throughout the entire creative process the 'behind the scenes' commentary was being given by one of the very experienced Eye-Squad crew members. The 'Question-Answer on Demand' session also provided a very satisfying experience for the audience.

The nightly Networking sessions were of real value and presented an opportunity for delegates to socialize and create inter-personal bonds which is at the core of the collaborative film making process.

Shasha Grant. Listening to the passionate writers pitch their story to the selection panel was a moving experience in itself. It was obvious that many of the stories being told by the hopeful contestants had deep meaning and emotional links to the scriptwriters. To some it was almost a personal story being told. It was difficulty from the audience to pick a winner as all the storytellers deserved to win so I can understand the judge’s decision to pick 2 first place winners! Being in the audience for this event was educational and highly recommended for anyone who may have to 'pitch a story' in the future. Not only did it show various techniques for pitching but also shows skills necessary to engage the listener throughout the pitch.

Despite the festival competition offered by the appearance of Clive Owen as part of the ADFF, the attendance for the Panel Discussion of 'The Future looks 3D' was quite high and not only was a nuts and bolts explanation given of the stereography technology but valuable information was imparted on the future of 3D stereography in film making. Personally I can't wait for low cost 3D video cameras to be released so that I can start working with the new medium.

The conference was wrapped up with an interview/discussion with famous Hollywood producer Edward R Pressman. To me this was an exciting moment as I have heard of this man over the years and seen his name on film credits. In fact only 3 weeks earlier I was at the Cinestar cinema to see 'Wall Street 2 - Money Never Sleeps' and to think here I was listening to him modestly speak about his past. And as a bonus I got to speak to him in person after the event and have my brag photograph taken with him (which is now circulating feverishly on facebook and the AFMG website)!

As if the gourmet lunches were not enough, the closing gala evening at the main ballroom of the Inter-Continental hotel was the pinnacle of the 3 day event. After the announcment of the Shasha Grant winners we again feasted on a banquet fit for a king and enjoyed night long music, entertainment and socializing.

From these amazing 3 days it is now so hard to come back to earth.

For more information see www.film.gov.ae