The Damascus International Film Festival (DIFF) was a biannual November film festival hosted by the government of Syria since 1979. The festival was established by the late Syrian film director Muhammad Shahin. It alternates with the Carthage Film Festival. Up to 1999, the festival’s competition focused on films from Arab countries, Latin America and Asia. Since 2001 the festival has an international focus.
Damascus International Film Festival started in 1979 and takes place in Damascus, Syria
The Algerian film “The Outlaws” by director Rachid Bouchareb won the Gold Award and the Best Arab Film Award at the 18th edition of Damascus International Film Festival. The Silver Award went to the Iranian film “Please Do Not Disturb”, directed by Mohsen Abdolvahab and the Bronze to the Syrian film “September Rain”, by director Abdellatif Abdelhamid.
Mr. Mohammed Al-Ahmad, Director General of the National Film Organization, nveiled the lineup for the 18th Damascus International Film Festival during a press conference held at Al-Kindy Theater in Damascus, Syria. Mr. Al Ahmad emphasized the importance of Damascus Film Festival and the important role it plays in improving cinema production in Syria.