The 8thAbu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) has revealed the nominated films for the Child Protection Award, helmed in partnership with the UAE's Ministry of Interior (MOI).The list of the nominees includes 13 films from across 17 countries varying between features, documentaries and shorts.

Commenting on the award, Lieutenant Colonel Faisal Mohamed Al Shimmari, Vice President of the Ministry of Interior Cinema Awards Committee, stated that the Child Protection Award has become an accredited award at ADFF. The award is granted for the best film and best screenplay, discussing topics related to children's safety and security and calling the public's attention to the victimized, or maltreated or neglected children, and covers the 14 dimensions of child protection.

He further explained that the award was established upon the directives of the police leadership with respect to launching awareness-raising programs and initiatives, striving to enhance security culture locally and internationally, in pursuance of the Ministry of Interior's vision. It reflects the valuable role played by the film industry and filmmakers, who can efficiently communicate with the various segments of society, for film industry has made an imprint in establishing social awareness and delivering fortified awareness messages to the members of the community.

He also stated that The Child Protection award aims to call attention to films that raise awareness about the security of children and their safety, bringing to light the necessity of taking measures to protect them against maltreatment and abuse on both local and international levels.

Lieutenant Colonel Al Shimmari stressed that the award entails 100,000 USD for the Best Screenplay and Best Film, where high-profile jury members will select the winning films from ADFF's other sections, including its official competition.

The award was first launched at the 7th ADFF in 2013, where Omar Mullick and Bassam Traiq's These Birds Walk earned the Child Protection Award for Best Film, whereas Hirokazu Koreeda's Like Father, Like Son walked away with the Child Protection Award for Best Screenplay.

During its first edition in 2013, the award was widely acclaimed by filmmakers, professionals, officials, celebrities and the audience. In a session held on May, 2014,
The Federal National Council (FNC), UAE, highly praised the award and the new approach adopted by the Ministry of Interior in addressing social issues and raising the awareness to create security culture in the community.

Abu Dhabi Film Festival was set off in 2007 to help create a vibrant film culture throughout the region, establishing itself as one of the most anticipated cultural events in Abu Dhabi, presenting a 10-day parti-coloured programs featuring Arabic and intentional films, in addition to film openings and other convoy events.

Films Nominated for the Child Protection Award

Feature Films

CAIN'S CHILDREN (Kain gyermekei)
directed by Marcell Gero
France, Hungary 2014 - 90 min.
Also featured in the Documentary Competition

DIFRET
directed by Zeresenay Mehari
Ethiopia 2014 - 99 min.
Also featured in the New Horizons Competition

IMPERIAL DREAMS
directed by Malik Vitthal
USA 2014 - 87 min.
Also featured in Showcase

IN HER PLACE
directed by Albert Shin
Canada, South Korea 2014 - 115 min.
Also featured in the New Horizons Competition

MACONDO
directed by Sudabeh Mortezai
Austria 2014 - 93 min.
Also featured in Showcase

NO ONE'S CHILD (Nicije dete)
directed by Vuk Rsumovic
Serbia 2014 - 97 min.
Also featured in the New Horizons Competition

PIRATES OF SALE
directed by Merieme Addou, Rosa Rogers
Morocco, United Kingdom, France, UAE 2014 - 78 min.

WORLD PREMIERE
Also featured in the Documentary Competition

REFUGIADO
directed by Diego Lerman
France, Argentina 2014 - 93 min.
Also featured in Showcase

SIVAS
directed by Kaan Mujdeci
Turkey, Qatar 2014 - 93 min.
Also featured in the New Horizons Competition

SOLD
directed by Jeffrey D. Brown
USA 2014 - 94 min.
Also featured in Showcase

YOUNG TIGER
directed by Cyprien Vial
France 2014 - 127 min.

WORLD PREMIERE
Also featured in Showcase

Short Films

THE BABY
directed by Ali Asgari
Iran, Italy 2014 - 15 min.

I EXIST
directed by Ahmed Abdelnaser Ahmed
Qatar, Egypt, Syria 2014 - 10 min.