MANAMA — The Naqsh Short Film Festival (NSFF 2014) will kick off on October 15 with an impressive line-up of regional and international entries.



The third edition of the festival, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, will be held over five days.



The Naqsh Film Festival, created as a non-profit event, is poised as a regional hub for aspiring artists.



This year’s festival will focus on Saudi Arabian Films, Asian Short Film and international animation films.



“Preparation is well underway for the NSFF 2014 and we are excited to welcome the participants to the heart of the Middle East, the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said the Managing Director of the Festival, Mohammed Maskati.



He added: "We have entries pouring in from the Kingdom of Bahrain, the GCC and the Middle East as well as a good number of international entries. Many of the entries will be screened for the first time during the NSFF2014; this is a great honor for us as an organizing committee and the Kingdom of Bahrain.



“Our aim through the festival is to develop the film industry and provide young film creators the opportunity to showcase their films to a large audience. We aim to provide a platform for Arab artists and thinkers – a hub where they can showcase their talent.



“The Naqsh Film Festival is a non-profit cultural space where participants can come together to showcase their work, feed off the energy of the attendees and allow them to share their opinions. We strongly believe that the experience of exchanging opinions will sharpen creative energies and further develop the film industry in the Middle East.



NSFF has been on the forefront of the regional filmfest bandwagon and had been steadily accumulating followers since it was first held on July 2012 at Al A’ali Complex. The 45 film entries on its first year doubled in number in 2013, having increased to 87 entries by more than 57 directors from 10 countries, coming from in and outside Bahrain with viewership swelling in percentage annually. — SG