A 24-year-old videographer bested other participants at the recently concluded UAE National Day film competition sponsored by Image Nation.

The #WhyILoveUAE contest called on the public to submit short films that illustrated their appreciation of the country in celebration of its 44^th founding anniversary.

John Haddad took the grand prize which included the screening of his winning film, titled Connection, in VOX cinemas across the country, a scholarship to New York Film Academy, a AED 5,000 cash prize and a DSLR camera.

“My film is completely based on my sincere personal journey here in the UAE,” John told us. “I asked myself, if I were to leave one day, what would be the one thing I would look back and remember? And so the answer was simple: it was my incredible memories.”

As for the value of these kinds of competition, John mused, “Whether you’re an amateur or professional, it encourages you to try and take on challenges that will help you grow in your craft. I think that’s the essence of competition – it helps you feel inspired.”

Phillip Rachid from the Netherlands bagged second prize winning AED 3,000 and a DSLR camera, while third-place entrant Mohamed Nizar Luqman took home AED 2,000 plus a DSLR camera.

To watch John’s film, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3G5GPPV6m0