Youssra Joins TROPFEST Arabia 2013 as Co-director

Organized by Twofour54, the festival takes place on Abu Dhabi Corniche

Youssra Joins TROPFEST Arabia 2013 as Co-director

TROPFEST Arabia announces that award-winning Egyptian actress Youssra will bejoining TROPFEST Arabiaas Co-director of the festival's third annual edition. TROPFEST Arabia is an expansion of TROPFEST, the world's largest short film festival. The 2013 event will take place on Abu Dhabi's Corniche, this November, powered by twofour54, the region's leading media and entertainment hub.

Youssra will work together with TROPFEST founder John Polson to select this year's shortlist of finalists. The finalists' films will be screened for the first time during the festival to a live audience. A jury of well-known Arabic filmmakers, actors, directors and producers, will pick the winning film live on the night at this glamorous, red carpet awards event which is followed by a special entertainment programme of hit music. Egyptian actress and singer Youssra commenced her ascent to stardom in 1977. She has gone on to star in huge variety of roles across film and TV comedy, drama, action, and entertainment productions. She has been awarded numerous honours for both her performing and charitable works and has ultimately become known as one of the most influential Arab actresses in the world.

Commenting on her role as Co-director for TROPFEST Arabia 2013, Youssra said: "The TROPFEST Arabiafestivals of 2011 and 2012 proved that the Arab world's appetite for media, film, and entertainment is growing more and more each day. Creativity in this region is flourishing and now is the time to get involved. I can't wait to view the works of the young and talented filmmakers in our region, and see their interpretations of 'time' through their use of the TROPFEST Signature Item - or TSI".

John Polson, added: "With so much talent in the region, shortlisting for TROPEST Arabia is not an easy task, so I'd like to offer a special thank you to Youssra for sharing her extensive film experience with us and for being my esteemed Co-director. As a box-office sensation and one of the most glamorous and famous women of Arab cinema, I know that Youssra will inspire a lot of the new talent that we're attracting toTROPFEST Arabia. I really look forward to working with her".

The TROPFEST Arabia signature item (TSI), which this year is 'time', must be incorporated into each submission. It is designed to test the creativity of filmmakers and to ensure that entries are made specifically for TROPFEST Arabia 2013.

To participate in TROPFEST Arabia and submit a film entry, participants must be a citizen of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Nationals from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen are eligible.

To get further details on how to submit a film, visit:www.tropfest.com/Arabia