Donna Benton and Reim El Houni Take The ENTERTAINER and Ti22 Films Global at New York Festivals 2026

In a defining moment for the UAE’s creative industry, Donna Benton and Reim El Houni have taken The ENTERTAINER and Ti22 Films to the global spotlight.

The branded documentary, produced by Ti22 Films for The ENTERTAINER, has been shortlisted at the prestigious New York Festivals TV & Film Awards 2026 — marking the only entry from the UAE to be recognized this year.

This recognition not only highlights the strength of the project itself, but also signals a broader shift in how UAE-based creative work is being received on the international stage.

A UAE Story Reaches the World

Shortlisted in the Corporate Image category under Branded Documentary, the film celebrates 25 years of The ENTERTAINER — a homegrown brand that has grown into one of the region’s most recognisable lifestyle platforms.

Led by Donna Benton, the brand’s journey reflects the entrepreneurial DNA of Dubai, built on innovation, partnerships, and long-term vision.

The documentary captures this evolution through a blend of authentic storytelling and cinematic production, highlighting not just business milestones, but the people and purpose behind the brand’s success.

Produced by Ti22 Films, the film translates a regional success story into a format that resonates globally — placing UAE storytelling alongside international productions.

Donna Benton: A Vision Built Over 25 Years

For Donna Benton, the project represents a deeply personal milestone.

“Celebrating 25 years of The ENTERTAINER is something I’m incredibly proud of,” she said.

Benton emphasised that telling the story in a real and authentic way made the documentary even more meaningful — capturing the passion, partnerships, and perseverance behind the brand.

The collaboration with Ti22 Films allowed that story to be told with clarity and impact, reinforcing the importance of storytelling in building lasting brand identity.

Reim El Houni and Ti22 Films’ Global Standard

At the production level, Reim El Houni continues to position Ti22 Films as a leading creative force emerging from the UAE.

“Being shortlisted internationally is always meaningful, but what matters most is what it represents,” she said.

El Houni highlighted that this is not the company’s first global recognition, but part of a consistent track record of delivering work that competes at an international level.

In an industry rapidly evolving with AI and increasing accessibility to video production, maintaining a high standard of storytelling and craft remains central to Ti22 Films’ approach.

This project, she noted, is a strong example of how creative ambition and collaboration can elevate regional brands onto the global stage.

Why This Matters for the UAE

The shortlisting of Ti22 Films and The ENTERTAINER reflects a larger trend within the UAE’s creative economy.

It highlights:

• The growing global recognition of UAE-based production companies
• The ability of regional brands to compete internationally
• Dubai’s positioning as a hub for high-quality storytelling and content creation

As the only UAE entry shortlisted, the project sets a new benchmark for the region’s creative output.

What to Expect Next

Winners of the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards 2026 are set to be announced later this year.

Regardless of the final outcome, the shortlist alone marks a significant achievement for both Ti22 Films and The ENTERTAINER — reinforcing their presence on the global stage.

Final Take

From Donna Benton to Reim El Houni, this collaboration represents more than an award recognition.

It reflects a shift in global perception — where UAE-born brands and creatives are no longer emerging players, but serious competitors delivering world-class work.

And with projects like this gaining international attention, the future of the UAE’s creative industry looks increasingly global.