Latest news with #ParamountHotels
Broadcast Pro
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
We Create Drama film festival returns with 12 shorts films
Filmmakers from across the region have spent weeks immersed in the creative process—writing, filming and editing their visions into cinematic form. The result is a collection of stories that will now take center stage as the festival unfolds across three key events, set against the opulent backdrop of Dubai's Paramount Hotels. This year's edition is presented in collaboration with Nikon Middle East FZE, Aputure Middle East, Grand Stores, Westford University and Scripted Events, whose support continues to empower emerging voices in the film industry. The festival officially opened on 21 June with a launch event at Malibu Sky Lounge atop Paramount Hotel Midtown, where guests and filmmakers gathered to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in regional storytelling. 'We're not just opening a festival; we're setting the scene for a new generation of storytellers by staying true to our brand identity. Every film starts with a spark and this evening is where it begins,' said Pascal Eggerstedt, General Manager at Paramount Hotel Midtown. Following the opening, the spotlight shifted behind the camera for a series of filmmaking workshops led by this year's distinguished panel of judges. On 25 June at Paramount Hotel Dubai, participants explored screenwriting and narrative development, while a second workshop on 26 June at DAMAC Maison Aykon City focused on directing, cinematography, and visual storytelling. These sessions aimed not only to educate but to inspire emerging creatives to confidently bring their stories to life. The festival's final act takes place on 29 June at Paramount Hotel Dubai, with a Closing and Awards Ceremony that will showcase all 12 films in the hotel's iconic Screening Room. As the final credits roll, the spotlight will move to the awards presentation, where top honours will be given in key categories including Film of the Year, Director of the Year, Script of the Year, and more. The winners will be chosen by a panel of respected industry professionals from around the world, including Egyptian actor Mohammed Mamdouh, Jordanian director Razan Takash, Oscar-recognised filmmaker Jingyu Liu, West End actress Mylène Gomera, and others from Nikon, Westford University and the regional media scene. Festival founder Nicolas Naim Zaboura, known for shaping immersive film experiences at Paramount Hotels, also serves on the jury. Winners won't just take home accolades—they'll receive high-end filmmaking gear from Nikon, Aputure and Zhiyun, along with luxurious experiences at the Paramount Hotels, designed to keep their creative momentum alive. 'We've watched stories unfold, characters transform and visions come to life. This final evening is more than a celebration, it's tribute to the creative courage of every filmmaker who dared to tell their story,' added Nicholas Chalmers, General Manager of Paramount Hotel Dubai.
Web Release
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
SUMMER LOVIN – A STAR'S DREAM. THE SEQUEL.
This summer, Paramount Hotel Midtown proudly presents the much-anticipated return of one of the most beloved seasonal experiential campaigns Summer Lovin. Back by popular demand and reimagined for 2025, Summer Lovin is a blockbuster that brings in drama to every guest's stay featuring a fresh script of indulgent perks and glamour. Inspired by the allure of Paramount Pictures' classic and the unforgettable feel-good energy of one of the best love musicals, 'Grease', this sequel promises a leading-role experience from the moment guests arrive. From personalized check-ins to scene-stealing service, every moment is designed to feel like a red-carpet production. Our summer campaign is all about giving our guests a sense of escape, emotional connection to their favourite film productions and indulgence. Whether it's a business mission, romantic getaway, or a full-family feature, it's a stay worthy of the spotlight. The Plot Twist; includes; 15% OFF the Best Available Rate Daily breakfast at The Stage (when booked with Bed & Breakfast) AED 100 spa credit per room upon check-in 20% off food and beverage during the stay Complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability Early check-in from 13:00 and late checkout until 14:00 subject to availability Children under 12 stay and dine free, making it perfect for family travelers Paramount Hotels continue to redefine cinematic stays in the region and Summer Lovin' – 'A Star's Dream' positions us as pioneers in experience-driven lifestyle luxury in the hospitality realm. Each experience weaves film, flair, and fantasy into the guest journey where no two stays are ever the same. This isn't just another summer promotion. It's an invitation to script your own escape. At Paramount Hotel Midtown, we turn ordinary guests into stars in stories they'll want to relive. Because this summer, your story deserves a sequel. EXCLUSIVE FOR GHA DISCOVERY MEMBERS Are you a GHA DISCOVERY star? Double blockbuster rewards this summer It's your time to shine. This summer, step into the spotlight and follow the glow of the silver screen where comfort meets a touch of Hollywood flair at Paramount Hotels. Book your holiday by 3 July 2025, for stays until 30 September 2025, and earn Double DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) on your starring escape. With GHA DISCOVERY travel the world and explore a unique collection of 45 distinct brands, each crafted for exceptional stays and unforgettable travel moments tailored just for you. If you are a GHA DISCOVERY Member, book your Double D$ experience today. Visit Not a GHA DISCOVERY Member? Register Now – Visit For reservations and more information, please contact: +971 58 826 5729
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Hollywood Meets Dubai: ‘We Create Drama' film festival returns at Paramount Hotels
Following the success of the past three We Create Drama Film Festival seasons, the curtain rises once again on 'We Create Drama, the highly anticipated film festival hosted by Paramount Hotels. This global platform has become a premier stage for emerging filmmakers and daring storytellers to showcase their craft and shape the future of cinema. This year, 'We Create Drama' returns bolder and more dramatic than ever before. Paramount Hotel Midtown will be a part of the competition this year, marking its first participation since the Film Festival's inception in 2022. Paramount Hotel Dubai and Paramount Hotel Midtown will evolve from just luxurious destinations into dynamic canvases and vibrant hubs for creativity. These iconic lifestyle destinations will transform into sanctuaries for dreamers, innovators and storytellers—places where visions are realized and dreams take flight. In this cinematic haven, emerging filmmakers will compete to craft the next award-winning short film, stepping boldly into the legacy of Paramount Pictures and the legendary films that have defined the industry. At the heart of Paramount Hotels lies a brand vision 'For the Creative, By the Creative' a narrative that celebrates the limitless potential of storytelling. This vision fuels every project, collaboration and experience within the hotels, making them more than just places to stay. As Season 4 unfolds, the stakes are higher than ever. The festival promises to be a thrilling showcase of undiscovered talent, with emerging filmmakers pushing the boundaries of creativity. In an exciting move to broaden the festival's reach, submissions will now be accepted via Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok, opening the door to a new generation of storytellers from around the world. 'We Create Drama' is a collaborative partnership between Paramount Hotels and renowned industry leaders who share the same passion for storytelling. Paramount Hotels, in collaboration with Nicolas Naim, founder of Scripted Events, the visionary behind the We Create Drama Film Festival, joins forces with Westford University, Nikon Middle East FZE, Grand Stores, and Aputure to provide aspiring filmmakers with everything they need to bring their stories to life. Together, they are ensuring that this year's festival is a true celebration of innovation, craftsmanship, and cinematic excellence. Submission and production guidelines: Filmmakers are invited to submit scripts that ignite drama, break creative boundaries and embody the power of storytelling. Each submission must be 3 to 10 minutes long, accompanied by a log line, synopsis and adhere to professional industry standards. What sets this season apart is the unique challenge: every film must be shot entirely within the stunning confines of Paramount Hotel Dubai or Paramount Hotel Midtown, within a single 24-hour filming window. The pressure is on but so is the opportunity to create something truly unforgettable. Selection and production: A distinguished panel of judges, featuring industry experts and acclaimed filmmakers will meticulously review the entries and selected to 12 scripts. Shortlisted filmmakers will embark on an exhilarating production journey in May, armed with professional filmmaking equipment provided by our festival partners – Nikon Middle East FZE, Aputure Middle East and Grand Stores. The shooting window runs from May 12 to May 29, with each team getting a 24-hour slot at selected hotel locations. The grand finale: This year, We Create Drama Film Festival will take a more elevated twist, offering a week-long opportunity to screen short films at Paramount Hotel Dubai and Paramount Hotel Midtown, giving filmmakers a unique chance to share their work with a wider audience. In addition to the screenings, the festival will host a series of film-making workshops led by industry experts. These workshops will cover everything from scriptwriting and filming techniques to innovative storytelling approaches, all taking place throughout the first week of June, leading up to the Grand Finale. This dynamic program will provide aspiring filmmakers with valuable skills and insights to help them hone their craft and push creative boundaries. Prestigious awards up for grabs include: • Film of the Year • Director of the Year • Actor & Actress of the Year • Writer of the Year • DOP of the Year Winners will walk away with exciting prizes, including high-end filmmaking gear and luxury hotel experiences, ensuring they continue their cinematic journey with the finest tools at their disposal. New this year: the short film corner: In addition to the main competition, this year introduces the Short Film Corner a showcase of selected short films that will screen leading up to the grand finale. • Selected films will be screened at Paramount Hotels throughout the festival. • The Short Film Corner will feature talks from directors, industry panels and networking opportunities. • Filmmakers can submit their short films via email to Marketing@ with the subject line: Short Film Submission – We Create Drama 2025. Filmmakers keen to make their mark in the industry can submit their scripts via Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok using the official festival hashtags, or email their submissions to Marketing@ Each team can have a maximum of five members officially recognised. 'Paramount Hotels is a place where creativity thrives, making it the perfect stage for storytelling. Season 4 of 'We Create Drama' promises to be our most exciting yet, showcasing the vision and talent of emerging filmmakers. We look forward to witnessing the compelling stories that will come to life this year,' said Nicholas Chalmers, General Manager at Paramount Hotel Dubai. 'This year, we are elevating the festival experience, expanding creative possibilities and accessibility for filmmakers. We Create Drama is not just a competition—it's a guide for emerging talent and we're proud to be the stage where their stories come to life,' said Pascal Eggerstedt, General Manager of Paramount Hotel Midtown.
Trade Arabia
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Trade Arabia
We Create Drama Film Festival returns for season 4
The We Create Drama Film Festival, hosted by Paramount Hotels, returns with a bolder and more dramatic twist this year. Paramount Hotel Midtown will be part of the competition, marking its first participation since the festival's inception in 2022. The lifestyle destinations of Dubai and Midtown will transform into hubs for creativity, where emerging filmmakers compete to craft the next award-winning short film. The festival is a collaborative partnership between Paramount Hotels, Scripted Events founder Nicolas Naim, Westford University, Nikon Middle East FZE, Grand Stores, and Aputure to provide aspiring filmmakers with everything they need to bring their stories to life. The Grand Finale will feature a week-long screening of short films at the hotels, along with workshops led by industry experts.
Hindustan Times
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Artificial judgements
Hariprasath Rajan, 28, is a Dubai-based filmmaker who participated at the yearly 'We Create Drama' challenge that Paramount Hotels organises for filmmakers in the city. Paramount selects short film scripts through a submission process and the selected scripts become films that are shot at a Paramount hotel within 24 hours. Rajan's debut short film, Vision, went on to be among the top three films last year. It has been screened at the Paramount Film Festival, which screens the best films that emerge from the challenge. Vision unfolds over a gripping arc — and within its short running time (10 minutes and 40 seconds), the filmmaker-writer's grasp over filmmaking craft is obvious — in the way he builds up momentum for a climactic twist within the four walls of a swank hotel. The film has terrific production value and the cinematography by Umesh Chandra Javagi is an additional propeller to the overall bite of the narrative. A Chennai-born filmmaker who was more attuned to Hollywood time travel films after watching Robert Zemeckis' classic Back to the Future (1985) than Tamil cinema. His cinephile father introduced him to VHS tapes of all the Hollywood films the father-son duo could get their hands on from a video lending library in Chennai. 'I knew from then that I was only interested in learning filmmaking. Thankfully, unlike many Tamil parents when we were growing up, my parents never forced me to be an engineer. They were ok with me pursuing filmmaking,' Rajan says. Having worked in Chennai as a junior artiste and producing and directing education videos for YouTube, he left for Dubai for a job in graphic design in 2021. 'I discovered a small but vibrant community of actors, screenwriters and directors in Dubai. I would work at my office, and while on my one-hour commute to and fro between office and home, I would write my scripts.' The cast in vision is entirely from the community of expat actors living and working in Dubai. The titular 'vision' is a time travel experience that a butler at a luxury Hotel (Tea Zwarych) acts upon, unleashing a chain of events that requires intervention by an expert. A family checks in to a hotel room that the butler is taking care of — squeaking every corner clean, ensuring there is no threat or discomfort for the guests and observing the guests to know what they want or need. Out of a moral imperative, the butler takes a decision that puts the reputation of the hotel and the lives of the guests in jeopardy. A scientist (Keith Allison) intervenes to save the unforeseen trouble, but whether he succeeds or not depends on factors that are also out of his control. Rajan's film couldn't have come at a more apt time. What makes a super-efficient butler go rogue? Can artificially created workers develop moral prisms or emotions or intuition? And what happens if they go beyond what their creator imagined and programmed for them? Vision throws up questions about AI-human collaboration that are not only relevant to the age, but also to our trepidations about the limits of AI. 'It has become quite obvious by now that AI is crucial to the way creativity, judgement, ethics and morality will look like. If AI can't be controlled by human intelligence, how far can it go? It's a question I have thought about a lot,' Rajan said. The filmmaker had to dumb down the theme of the film to suit the Paramount challenge. 'The original script had a lot of bloodshed. I am now developing the story as a feature film script, where an AI sniper replaces the hotel butler, and how the main dilemma that the sniper is faced with, amid a lot of violence and gore, will change the lives of human beings and nations around him,' he added. ------------------------------- Short Stream is a monthly curated section, in which we present an Indian short film that hasn't been seen before or not widely seen before but are making the right buzz in the film industry and film festival circles. We stream the film for a month on HT Premium, the subscription-only section in Sanjukta Sharma is a Mumbai-based writer and film critic. Write to her at
