Documentary

In accordance with the Bylaws of the Emirates Academy Awards:

Article III, Section 1.

Membership shall be by invitation of the Board of Governors.  Invitations to active membership shall be limited to those persons active in the motion picture arts and sciences, or credited with screen achievements, or who have otherwise achieved distinction in the motion picture arts and sciences and who, in the opinion of the Board, are qualified for membership.

To be considered for invitation to Emirates Academy membership in the Documentary branch of the Emirates Academy, a candidate must:

(a.i) Tier 1 (Directors / Producers)

To be considered for invitation to Emirates Academy membership in the Documentary Branch of the Emirates Academy, it’s recommended that a candidate has at least 5 years of experience in the non-fiction field. Candidates must have a minimum of two director and/or producer credits on documentary feature films (one of which must have been within the last five years) of a caliber which, in the opinion of the executive committee, reflect the high standards of the Emirates Academy.

or

(a.ii) Tier 2 (Cinematographers / Film Editors)

To be considered for invitation to Emirates Academy membership in the Documentary Branch of the Emirates Academy, it’s recommended that a candidate has at least 5 years of experience in the non-fiction field. Candidates must have a minimum of five cinematographer and/or film editor credits on documentary feature films (one of which must have been within the last five years) of a caliber which, in the opinion of the executive committee, reflect the high standards of the Emirates Academy. These credits must be principal position screen credits.

(a.iii) Tier 3 (Documentary Shorts)

To be considered for invitation to Emirates Academy membership in the Documentary Branch of the Emirates Academy, it’s recommended that a candidate has at least 5 years of experience in the non-fiction field, but must have a minimum of four director and/or producer credits on  documentary short films (one of which must have been within the last five years) of a caliber which, in the opinion of the executive committee, reflect the high standards of the Emirates Academy.

and/or

(b) have director and/or producer screen credit on a picture nominated for an Emirates Academy Award in the Documentary category,

or

(c) have, in the judgment of the Documentary Executive Committee, otherwise achieved unique distinction, earned special merit and made an outstanding contribution to theatrical documentary filmmaking.

Proposals must be accompanied by a letter from each sponsor which addresses, as specifically as possible, how the candidate meets one or another of the requirements above.

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The Emirates Academy Awards unites visionary filmmakers to shape the future of global cinema.

The Academy brings together filmmakers, industry leaders, and emerging voices across key branches — including directing, writing, producing, acting, and technical crafts.
By uniting over 500 members from 38 countries and 67 nationalities, it fosters collaboration, excellence, and innovation in global cinema.

Membership is open to professionals whose work reflects outstanding achievement and commitment to the art of film.

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