As a global platform celebrating visual storytelling across multiple disciplines, including filmmaking, the 9th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival stays true to this ethos by highlighting cinema as a key pillar of visual expression. This year, the festival welcomes some of the world’s most distinguished filmmakers, producers, and cinematographers to share their expertise and creative vision with audiences.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure International Photography Festival will take place from 20-26 February 2025 at Aljada, Sharjah, bringing together industry pioneers, creatives, and visionaries to celebrate the art of storytelling across all visual mediums.

The art of filmmaking

The festival will feature exclusive screenings, panels, and workshops, creating a dynamic platform for filmmakers and enthusiasts to explore cinema’s evolving impact. With box office revenue projected to reach $43.27 billion in 2025 and 70% of global audiences consuming films digitally, storytelling has never been more accessible. Xposure 2025 provides a unique opportunity for emerging filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts to connect with the creative minds behind some of the most influential films of our time.

Serving as the Head of Physical Production at Amazon MGM Studios, Glenn Gainor oversees the physical aspects of film and television production. His role involves managing budgets, schedules, and logistics to ensure successful project completions. In his talk “Sustainability & Cross-Cultural Filmmaking” Gainor will demonstrate how compelling storytelling can inspire environmental awareness without overtly preaching sustainability.

Franklin Leonard is the founder of ‘The Black List’, an annual survey that identifies the most-liked unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. Since its inception, The Black List has become a significant platform, leading to the production of numerous acclaimed films and shaping the careers of many screenwriters.

Martin Desmond Roe is an Oscar-winning director, and co-directed ‘Two Distant Strangers’, a short film that addresses systemic racism and police brutality. The film won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. He is also the founder of Dirty Robber, a production company known for its dynamic visual storytelling. His co-director, Travon Free is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker and his work often addresses social justice themes, bringing attention to pressing societal issues through compelling narratives.

Pippa Ehrlich and Roger Horrocks are a duo renowned for their work on ‘My Octopus Teacher’, a documentary that explores the unique bond between a filmmaker and an octopus in a South African kelp forest. The film received widespread acclaim for its intimate storytelling and won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

As an acclaimed visual artist, Dennis Schmelz is known for his stunning travel films and cinematography. His work captures diverse cultures and landscapes, offering viewers a visually immersive experience.

A visionary filmmaker and photographer, Rick Smolan is best known for ‘Tracks’, a film adaptation of Robyn Davidson’s memoir about her solo trek across the Australian desert. His storytelling often highlights extraordinary human experiences and adventures.

As a documentary filmmaker, Jerome Pin focuses on critical global issues, shedding light on topics that impact societies worldwide. His work aims to inform and inspire change by bringing these issues to the forefront.

As Xposure 2025 welcomes the cinematic world into its creative fold, it invites audiences to celebrate the power of film, engage with visionary storytellers, and immerse themselves in an experience that transcends the boundaries of visual storytelling. For more information visit https://xposure.net/.