NGE, Imagenation Abu Dhabi to finance films with $100 million

Dubai, Oct 12 (UNI) The National Geographic Entertainment(NGE) and the Imagenation Abu Dhabi will spend 100 million dollars for the production of 10 to 15 films over the next five years, it was announced here.

The fund was announced by Tim Kelly, president of National Geographic Global Media, and Edward Borgerding, CEO of Imagenation Abu Dhabi.

The NGE, a division of National Geographic Global Media, will develop, produce, finance and acquire films in association with the Imagenation Abu Dhabi.

The films will focus on people's relationship with the world, environment and each other and will be budgeted between 5 and 60 million dollars.

Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, chairman of the Imagenation Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media Company, said, ''NGE is a perfect partner for Imagenation Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most identifiable and respected global brands and we are delighted to be working with this great organisation as it expands its film presence.'' Jake Eberts, chairman of the National Geographic Films, said, ''National Geographic has access to a seemingly endless treasure trove of images and stories. Each one has the potential to affect our lives. And I believe it is our moral obligation to use the power of film to bring people of different cultures together.

Imagenation Abu Dhabi and National Geographic are ideally suited to do this.'' Imagenation Abu Dhabi is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media Company, which was launched on September 3, 2008 to mark a new initiative to develop the UAE capital as a centre for international media.

The company will develop, finance and produce full-length feature films and digital content for Arabic and global markets.

UNI XC SW BD1005