Inaugural HollyShorts Dubai 2025 Takes Shape With Philip Rachid Unveiled As Speaker
**EXCLUSIVE: Iraqi-Kurdish Filmmaker Philip Rachid to Speak at Inaugural HollyShorts Dubai Festival**
Iraqi-Kurdish filmmaker Philip Rachid has been announced as a speaker at the upcoming HollyShorts Dubai, marking the inaugural edition of this exciting new event. The festival, a spin-off of the well-established Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, will take place from December 12 to 14.
Born in Bulgaria and raised in the Netherlands, Rachid is a long-time resident of Dubai. He made his short film debut in 2012 with *Zol’a*. Among his notable works is *Happy Birthday*, which was shot entirely on a Samsung phone and won the Samsung Short Film Competition prize at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2014. Another acclaimed project is the 2018 award-winning film *She*, which explores the lives of seven women living in the UAE as they strive to fulfill their life goals.
Rachid continues to produce innovative content through his company, Soultrotter Productions. Beyond filmmaking, he is an active mentor and cultural consultant, passionately dedicated to nurturing the next generation of UAE filmmakers.
“I am truly honored and excited to participate in the inaugural HollyShorts Dubai,” said Rachid. “Dubai is a city that inspires my work and provides a vital platform for global storytellers. I look forward to sharing my experiences and perspectives with the next generation of filmmakers.”
Former MGM veteran Jeff Pryor, who was named the strategic advisor for the festival’s inaugural edition in August, welcomed Rachid’s involvement. “Philip’s career—from his start in the Netherlands to his powerful voice for marginalized communities—perfectly embodies the global storytelling spirit that HollyShorts champions,” Pryor commented. “His unique perspective and success in this region will be an incredible source of inspiration for our attendees.”
The HollyShorts Dubai speakers program will also feature keynote addresses by director Faisal Hashmi (*Amber*, *Wicken*) and director-cinematographer Shadi AbuSharar (*Stand Up! Ya Arab!*). Attendees can look forward to masterclasses with HollyShorts Grand Prix winner Ammar Galal and Razan Takash, Head of Film at SAE University College Dubai. Additionally, Illusion Studios will present on the future of AI in filmmaking.
This inaugural HollyShorts Dubai promises to be an inspiring platform for filmmakers and storytellers from the region and beyond.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/inaugural-hollyshorts-dubai-2025-philip-rachid-speaker-1236603833/
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