Mumbai: The organisers of the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) have announced the winning design of its Poster Competition which will now become the official poster for the second edition of the festival.
The Chinese graphic designer Chen Hong was named the winner of the overall competition, which was launched in conjunction with one of the leading artistic magazines in the UAE – Shawati Magazine. "His design won over the judges from the many designs submitted," said MEIFF vice chairman Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazarouei. "The designer managed to encapsulate the event and its goals in a remarkable manner. The symbolism of the festival pearl sitting on the island of Abu Dhabi with the suggestion of culture and heritage was highly visible, self-explanatory and managed to capture the very essence of the UAE and the region successfully."
"I’m delighted and honored to have won this competition," said the Hong, "and it will be an important introduction for me to enter the Middle East through such a prestigious event. I’m greatly looking forward to visiting the UAE for the 10 day event and, of course, seeing my designs all over the event’s venue."
Haley Sharpe and Raymond del Mundo were announced as the runner-ups of the competition. The competition was launched earlier this year at a MEIFF press conference held in Cannes. It was met with avid interest by artists and designers across the region eager for the chance to have their design showcased at the very forefront of a festival that attracts hundreds of big names to Abu Dhabi, and aims to offer talented artists and designers the opportunity to become involved in the festival and showcase the talent that is available in the region.
The winning design will be the official poster at MEIFF 2008 and will be featured in advertisements and promotional material associated with the festival. The prize for the winner will be an all-expenses paid trip to Abu Dhabi to attend the October festival. He will also receive full access to all Gala events and screenings for the entire duration of the festival. Hong will also have his work featured in Shawati magazine. The top five designs will be displayed at the Emirates Palace Hotel, the main venue of MEIFF, in a poster exhibition.
