Reel Festivals
A celebration of film, music and culture from areas in conflict
Sponsors & Partners
Reel Festivals gratefully acknowledges the assistance and hard work of our partners & sponsors.
British Council
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland)
Our purpose is to build mutually beneficial relationships between people in the UK and other countries and to increase appreciation of the UK’s creative ideas and achievements.
This work is driven by our strong belief in internationalism, a commitment to professionalism and an enthusiasm for creativity. These qualities, coupled with our integrity and our conviction that cultural relations can help individuals and the world community to thrive, make the British Council a good partner and a special place to work.
Visit the British Council Website
Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the new national leader for Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries. It’s our job to help Scotland’s creativity shine at home and abroad.
We invest in talented people and exciting ideas. We develop the creative industries and champion everything that’s good about Scottish creativity.
Scotland boasts an incredible range of talent, from award-winning directors and writers to widely recognised actors and internationally renowned visual artists, architects and digital companies. As a result of the wealth of indigenous talent, Scotland produces a huge volume of home-grown productions and products each year.
We think Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries are worth shouting about. We’ll lead the shouting.
Scottish Poetry Library
The Scottish Poetry Library is the place for poetry in Scotland, for the regular reader, the serious student or the casual browser.
Since its foundation in 1984 it has amassed a remarkable collection of written works, as well as tapes and videos. The emphasis is on 
contemporary poetry written in Scotland, in Scots, Gaelic and English, but historic Scottish poetry and contemporary works from almost every part of the world feature too.
Visit the Scottish Poetry Library Website
Literature Across Frontiers
Literature Across Frontiers is
- a European platform for literary exchange
- a programme of initiatives
- a network of partner organisations
aiming to advance European cultural exchange in the field of literature and translation through multilateral cooperation encompassing policy research and analysis, publications, translator training and skills development, joint participation in international book fairs, literature festivals and other forums, organisation of larger-scale projects, as well as conferences, seminars and workshops.
Visit the Literature Across Frontiers Website
Filmhouse
Filmhouse are Scotland’s foremost independent cinema situated on Lothian Road in Edinburgh.
The present Filmhouse has 3 cinemas which are open to the public seven days a week. Cinema One screens the latest international releases and presents special events with guests talking about their work in different branches of the film industry. Cinemas Two and Three include a wider range of material from the history of world cinema, 16mm, video and digital video work.
Metropolis Empire Sofil
Since its creation in 2006, the Lebanese association for art house cinemas, Metropolis, aims to defend and promote Cinema by presenting it in its different genres, eras and tendencies.
The Metropolis Association, now associated to the Empire Circuit, programs the Metropolis Empire Sofil theater. It welcomes its fervent public in its new location in the Sofil Center in Achrafyeh, at the heart of Beyrouth. It presents today the only alternative for auteur films in Lebanon.
Visit the Metropolis Empire Sofil Website
Hibr.me
Hibr.me is an innovative youth-driven alternative media outlet that engages individuals, community organizations, schools, universities, and companies around Lebanon in building public awareness on critical social, economic, environmental and public-interest issues. Hibr.me does that by working to foster a strong sense of community engagement, critical observation and critical thinking, and independent content creation on critical issues. Hibr.me is totally independent of any political or sectarian group or movement, and is powered by young people in Lebanon between high school age and 30.
Hibr.me believes that everybody can be and should be a contributor to the media, and works to empower and support non-professional “citizen” journalists to contribute stories, information, ideas, and observations. Hibr.me also believes that the profession of journalism needs to be rejuvenated, with an increased emphasis on quality, analytic, and investigative public-interest reporting.
Arabic House Hotel
The Arabic House Hotel is a lovely boutique two story hotel in Damascus. It consists of 9 rooms to satisfy the guests needs (Single room, Double room, Twin room, Triple room , Royal suite). Rooms are varied in size and designed with Damascene ancient handicrafts. The rooms have also a view on a charming open courtyard. They are convenient and fitted with modern conveniences such as: mini-bar, TV, air conditioner, telephone, free wireless, (24 hours room service).
Visit the Arabic House Hotel Website or email info@arabichouse-hotel.com
Etana Books
Etana Books is a bookshop and library in Syria, and so much more. In a beautfully restored old house in central Damascus you will find:
- A large variety of high quality books from the Arab world from numerous publishing houses an exceptional range of foreign books
- A current and well-balanced compilation of books on social sciences and natural sciences
- An outstanding sample of pedagogic literature for children and young people
- An excellent selection of classical, jazz, and local music as well as films
- A computer-based catalogue for book research and respectively assisting staff
- Monthly activities in various cultural and intellectual fields
- A comfortable and favorable atmosphere for research and discussion.
Music Hall Beirut
Music Hall is a cabaret-style music hall theatre specializing in live entertainment and cultural showbiz. 
It is located at Starco Center on Omar Daouk Street in the city centre of Beirut, Lebanon.
The Music Hall was opened in 2003 by its founder and co-owner Michel Elefteriades who converted an old cinema into a cabaret theatre with a mix of local and foreign acts. With up to twelve artists and bands performing each night, the Music Hall has rapidly become Lebanon’s premier live music venue and one of its
trendiest nightlife spots. The venue’s performing styles focus mainly on World music fusion but also include jazz, pop, ethnic, belcanto, stand-up comedy and other genres.
The Music Hall has been an original, groundbreaking concept and remains a one of a kind night venue in the MENA region. It’s an incredible venue and will be hosting REEL Music 2011.
ECHO/SADA
“ECHO” is a registered non-profit, non government, cultural musical arts society, formed by amateurs of serious music to promote the Syrian musical life. Membership in ECHO is open to all those interested in helping achieve its goals in accordance to its charter and bylaws.
Saifi Urban Gardens
Saifi Urban Gardens is a center for urban culture in the heart of Beirut 
set among traditional Lebanese houses and enveloped by beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces. We are very happy to be hosting REEL events including our opening night and poetry events in Saifi Urban Gardens. It will also be the base for our guests while in Lebanon.
Facilities include accommodation for 40 people, cafe, rooftop, Arabic language school, art school, and conference/exhibition/studio spaces.
Visit the Saifi Urban Gardens Website
IESAV
The IESAV (Institut d’études scéniques, audiovisuelles et cinématographiques) is an institute of education and training attached to the Faculty of Humanities at the University Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon. It consists of a Department of Fundamental Studies which provides a B.A and a Graduate Department, responsible for issuing the Master and the PhD degrees in the area of theatre and cinema .
Straight Angle Media
Straight Angle Media is a production company based in Damascus, Syria that renders broadcast media services for news, promotional videos, documentaries, and internet video content.
In addition, Straight Angle Media produces content such as TV programs and short films on a commission and commercial basis for local and international broadcasters, NGOs, and mainstream company sponsors throughout the Middle East region.
Visit the Straight Angle Website
Scottish Documentary Institute
SDI is an internationally recognised documentary research centre at Edinburgh College of Art specialised in documentary training, production and distribution. It was set up in 2004.
Their aim is to stimulate and inspire the documentary scene in Scotland and beyond through focus on creative excellence and unashamed international outlook.
Scottish Writers’ Centre
The centre aims to support and promote the work of Scottish writers and provide an international showcase space for Scottish literature. It will offer a regular programme of live events and workshops, along with activities such as schools programmes, community publishing workshops, literary consultancy and an annual writing fellowship.
Visit the Scottish Writers Centre Website
Forest
The Forest is a volunteer-run, collectively-owned, free arts and events space masquerading as a vegetarian café.
It provides a dedicated space for people to get involved in any creative activity imaginable. Events have included music, theatre, dancing, yoga, massage, poetry recitals, art displays, knit-ins, book tours, language teaching, monsterbike making…and plenty more. The Forest is always on the lookout for new events and ideas.
Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre
The Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre is a small, well-loved cinema situated in a converted eighteenth century listed mill building on the banks
of the River Nith in Dumfries that has been delighting audiences with quality films since it was opened in November 1987. It is run by Dumfries and Galloway Council to show a diverse programme of film, video and television that would not otherwise be available locally.
Visit the Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre Website
UNHCR
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an impartial humanitarian organisation mandated by the United Nations to lead and co-ordinate international action for the world-wide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems. Based in Switzerland, UNHCR has two basic and closely related aims: to protect refugees and to seek ways to help them restart their lives in a normal environment.
Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies Department, University of Edinburgh
IMES is recognised in the UK and internationally as a leading institution for research and undergraduate and postgraduate study.
It offers a wide range of undergraduate degree programmes in Arabic, Persian and Middle Eastern Studies, as well as non-degree training in Turkish.
City of Edinburgh Council
Based in Scotland’s capital city, the Council provides a range of public services to over 444000 citizens and promotes the city worldwide.
The British Institute for the Study of Iraq (BISI)
The British Institute for the Study of Iraq (Gertrude Bell Memorial) was established as the British School of Archaeology in Iraq on 14 January 1932 to promote, support and undertake research in Iraq and neighbouring countries. The Institute’s aim is to advance research and public education relating to Iraq and neighbouring countries in anthropology, archaeology, geography, history, languages and related disciplines within the arts, humanities and social sciences from the earliest times until the present.
The Institute makes grants to promote, support and undertake research and public education relating to Iraq and neighbouring countries. The Institute’s publications include the results of excavations and other research, the annual academic journal IRAQ and a bi-annual Newsletter. The Institute organizes and supports a range of events, including lectures and study days, often at the British Academy in London but also elsewhere in the UK . Since 2005 over ten BISI/BSAI Iraqi Scholars and Fellows have had placements in the UK under its Visiting Iraqi Fellowship Programme supported by the BISI Appeal. The Institute welcomes new members and membership is open to all.
The Institute for Music in Human and Social Development (IMHSD)
The IMHSD’s support for Reel Festivals reflects a strong interest in both ethnomusicology and community development work in the geographical region.
Professor Nigel Osborne, one of the two directors of the IMHSD, is known for his pioneering use of music in therapy and rehabilitation for children who are victims of conflict and is consultant for many programmes, including work in the Middle East.
Afghan Schools Trust
The Afghan Schools Trust is a small charity dedicated to improving the lives and opportunities of children in Afghanistan. They fund and support community initiatives, particularly in areas outside the reach of government or NGO assistance.
So far they have provided complete funding for four schools educating over 600 girls and boys in Nuristan, northeast Afghanistan and also fund teacher training courses for the local men and who run and staff the schools.
Firefly International
Firefly International is a charity working to resolve conflict worldwide, by building links between communities everywhere and supporting youth, community and grassroots activities.
This is achieved by focussing on what people have in common, rather than what separates them, and most of their activities are arts and culture. They help young and marginalised people to set up their own projects and activities. Where they do not possess the confidence and skills to set up their own activities, Firefly International help them to find volunteering opportunities to build up their knowledge, confidence and experience.
Reel Festivals is a Firefly International Project
Pixelapes
Pixelapes are an established web and graphic design company based in Ireland. They live on the web and love building websites that are easy to read, navigate and understand.
Pixelapes provide web design, graphic design and web hosting services.
