EFO Films opens office in Dubai

Emmett Furla Oasis (EFO) Films has opened an office in Dubai.

As part of the move, it will film at least two productions in the city within the next 18 months, Screen Daily reports.

The company was founded in July this year, based on collaborative efforts between producers Randall Emmett, George Furla and Oasis Ventures Entertainment - Mr Emmett and Mr Furla have been working together since 1998. So far the firm has produced more than 70 films, earning over $500 million (£306 million) at the box office.

It has worked with various film stars, including Robert De Niro, Jake Gyllenhaal and Nicholas Cage. Currently, the company is producing The Prince, starring John Cusack, Jason Patric and Bruce Willis.

In 2014, it will start work on Silence, by director Martin Scorsese, as well as horror film Hotel 33 and an adaptation of Monopoly.

Mr Emmett said: 'It's an honour for us to be able to have a footprint in this region, as it is rich with new film opportunities for us filmmakers. We look forward to working with local partners and being a part of the Dubai community.'

The cinema business is a growing industry in the emirate, which has taken many steps to encourage and support its growth. This week, for instance, it hosted its annual Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), which saw various global movie stars head to the city.

Alongside the main event, DIFF also featured a film market, where upcoming Arab films could be showcased and various exhibits and forums can be attended. This year, Screen Daily reports the market was one of DIFF's biggest ever.

Dubai Film Market's international business manager Pascal Diot said: 'The general feeling was that the new set-up really worked. It was a lot easier for people to bump into one another - it was really buzzy.'

Film screenings went up this year, with 1,151 instances in contrast to the 1,042 last year. Likewise, 486 meetings were held, as opposed to roughly 350 last year.