Those who follow the genre's roots are well aware of the ties Arabic lands have with the concepts of possession and exorcism genres, even if the pieces haven't been made obvious. With the fateful openings of William Friedkin's “The Exorcist” finding itself involving the unearthing of the cursed statue on Iraqi soil and Scott Derrickson's “Deliver Us from Evil” bringing itself up in the same area, the Middle East has been used as the spawning ground for eternal evil striking in the modern day, even if both films took the action back to the States. With “Three,” the first feature-length film from the first female director from the United Arab Emirates in Nayla Al Khaja, the genre heads to this fertile ground and stays there for its duration lending a distinct touch to this well-worn path.
Three review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
After a series of bizarre incidents,...
Three review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
After a series of bizarre incidents,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
Al Khaja made a short film version to show to potential private investors.
Nayla Al Khaja, one of the UAE’s first female filmmakers, has raised the funding from private individuals for her debut feature project Baab, which has Oscar-winning Ar Rahman on board as composer. It is co-written with writer and editor Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
Finding the budget this way, she says, has allowed her to sidestep gender imbalances prevalent in the financing world.
“What I did was to take the power, and to do so I raised the money myself. I took off my director’s hat...
Nayla Al Khaja, one of the UAE’s first female filmmakers, has raised the funding from private individuals for her debut feature project Baab, which has Oscar-winning Ar Rahman on board as composer. It is co-written with writer and editor Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
Finding the budget this way, she says, has allowed her to sidestep gender imbalances prevalent in the financing world.
“What I did was to take the power, and to do so I raised the money myself. I took off my director’s hat...
- 5/26/2022
- by Alina Trabattoni
- ScreenDaily
Al Khaja made a short film version to show to potential private investors.
Nayla Al Khaja, one of the UAE’s first female filmmakers, has raised the funding from private individuals for her debut feature project Baab, which has Oscar-winning Ar Rahman on board as composer. It is co-written with writer and editor Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
Finding the budget this way, she says, has allowed her to sidestep gender imbalances prevalent in the financing world.
“What I did was to take the power, and to do so I raised the money myself. I took off my director’s hat...
Nayla Al Khaja, one of the UAE’s first female filmmakers, has raised the funding from private individuals for her debut feature project Baab, which has Oscar-winning Ar Rahman on board as composer. It is co-written with writer and editor Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
Finding the budget this way, she says, has allowed her to sidestep gender imbalances prevalent in the financing world.
“What I did was to take the power, and to do so I raised the money myself. I took off my director’s hat...
- 5/26/2022
- by Alina Trabattoni
- ScreenDaily
The UAE’s first woman filmmaker, Nayla Al Khaja, and music maestro A R Rahman are looking forward to their upcoming collaboration on ‘Baab’, reports ‘Variety’. Written by Al Khaja and Masoud Amralla Al Ali, the film follows Wahida, who is unable to make sense of her twin sister’s mysterious death and is plagued by a […]...
- 5/25/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Nayla Al Khaja, the first female filmmaker in the United Arab Emirates, and Oscar-, BAFTA- and Grammy- winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman (“Slumdog Millionaire”) are looking forward to their upcoming collaboration on “Baab.”
Written by Al Khaja and Masoud Amralla Al Ali, the film follows Wahida, who is unable to make sense of her twin sister’s mysterious death and is plagued by a haunting rhythm in her ears.
Rahman and Khaja were present at the Cannes Film Market to promote “Baab.” The composer’s directorial debut, the VR “Le Musk” also had its world premiere at the market’s Cannes Xr strand.
“It’s about the four stages of grief, but we don’t say it so black and white,” Al Khaja told Variety about the film. “She creates a fantasy world to justify her sister’s death, because she’s young. They’re identical. They spend their whole life together.
Written by Al Khaja and Masoud Amralla Al Ali, the film follows Wahida, who is unable to make sense of her twin sister’s mysterious death and is plagued by a haunting rhythm in her ears.
Rahman and Khaja were present at the Cannes Film Market to promote “Baab.” The composer’s directorial debut, the VR “Le Musk” also had its world premiere at the market’s Cannes Xr strand.
“It’s about the four stages of grief, but we don’t say it so black and white,” Al Khaja told Variety about the film. “She creates a fantasy world to justify her sister’s death, because she’s young. They’re identical. They spend their whole life together.
- 5/23/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
UAE’s Nayla Al Khaja has teamed up with the Oscar-winning Indian composer for her upcoming feature film ‘Baab'.PTITwitter/ NaylaAlKhaja, Ar Rahman The first woman filmmaker in the United Arab Emirates, Nayla Al Khaja is teaming with Oscar-winning music composer Ar Rahman for her upcoming feature film Baab. The film is written by Al Khaja and Masoud Amralla Al Ali. As per Variety’s report, Baab follows the story of Wahida, who is unable to make sense of her twin sister's mysterious death and is plagued by a haunting rhythm in her ears. She discovers hidden cassette tapes and her relentless pursuit of the truth begins to untangle unresolved grief taking her deep into the mountains to delve into the complexities of the human soul. Speaking about the film, Ar Rahman told Variety, “I'm delighted to be working with Nayla on her feature film Baab, she's a passionate and...
- 5/11/2022
- by SaradhaU
- The News Minute
Nayla Al Khaja, the first female filmmaker in the United Arab Emirates, is teaming with Oscar, BAFTA and Grammy winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman (“Slumdog Millionaire”) on her upcoming feature film “Baab.”
Written by Al Khaja and Masoud Amralla Al Ali, the film follows Wahida, who is unable to make sense of her twin sister’s mysterious death and is plagued by a haunting rhythm in her ears. She discovers hidden cassette tapes and her relentless pursuit of the truth begins to untangle unresolved grief taking her deep into the mountains to delve into the complexities of the human soul.
Elly Senger-Weiss (“Tutti per Uma”) and Sultan Al Darmaki (“The Devil’s Machine”) are producing the mystery, with Muna Easa Al Gurg set to executive produce. The film will begin shooting in March 2023 in the northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which will provide the film’s backdrop of dramatic...
Written by Al Khaja and Masoud Amralla Al Ali, the film follows Wahida, who is unable to make sense of her twin sister’s mysterious death and is plagued by a haunting rhythm in her ears. She discovers hidden cassette tapes and her relentless pursuit of the truth begins to untangle unresolved grief taking her deep into the mountains to delve into the complexities of the human soul.
Elly Senger-Weiss (“Tutti per Uma”) and Sultan Al Darmaki (“The Devil’s Machine”) are producing the mystery, with Muna Easa Al Gurg set to executive produce. The film will begin shooting in March 2023 in the northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which will provide the film’s backdrop of dramatic...
- 5/11/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
What I like about the international film festivals and markets are the comparable and contrasting cultural windows that are opened wide to let in all the world to see what is inside. Countries, as people, have their ups and their downs. This year the most interesting window was on Mena, that is, the Middle East and North Africa regions.
The Diff Journal lists the five most notable milestones for Arab cinema at Cannes this year:
First Arab female filmmaker to ever compete for the Palme d’or
Lebanese director Nadine Labaki became the first ever female Arab filmmaker to compete for the Palme d’or with a film in competition. Previously, all Arab films selected in competition at Cannes were by male directors from countries such as Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria. With Capharnaum, Labaki has already made history. She’s also the first Lebanese director to have a film...
The Diff Journal lists the five most notable milestones for Arab cinema at Cannes this year:
First Arab female filmmaker to ever compete for the Palme d’or
Lebanese director Nadine Labaki became the first ever female Arab filmmaker to compete for the Palme d’or with a film in competition. Previously, all Arab films selected in competition at Cannes were by male directors from countries such as Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria. With Capharnaum, Labaki has already made history. She’s also the first Lebanese director to have a film...
- 6/2/2018
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
In an unexpected shakeup, the Dubai International Film Festival has canceled its upcoming edition and announced a “new strategy,” signaling that the fest as attendees knew it – during its 14-year rise to become the top film event in the Middle East – is over.
After days of swirling rumors and unanswered queries, a nebulous press release has been issued announcing “a new approach” and stating that the festival, which became prominent in the industry thanks to its annual Dubai Film Connection Arab film market component, will now take place every two years in a different format. The new shape is unclear, but it seems that the festival will be under new management.
The release quoted Jamal Al Sharif, chairman of the Dubai Film and TV Commission, as saying that they are “seeking to redefine” the Dubai fest’s “approach towards nurturing growth, creativity and talent.” Nowhere did the names of festival chairman Abdulhamid Juma,...
After days of swirling rumors and unanswered queries, a nebulous press release has been issued announcing “a new approach” and stating that the festival, which became prominent in the industry thanks to its annual Dubai Film Connection Arab film market component, will now take place every two years in a different format. The new shape is unclear, but it seems that the festival will be under new management.
The release quoted Jamal Al Sharif, chairman of the Dubai Film and TV Commission, as saying that they are “seeking to redefine” the Dubai fest’s “approach towards nurturing growth, creativity and talent.” Nowhere did the names of festival chairman Abdulhamid Juma,...
- 4/19/2018
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
UAE filmmaker Abdullah Hassan Ahmed’s Sunrise scooped the $100,000 Iwc Filmmaker Award at Diff last night.
The script follows a father who receives tragic news about his son, fighting in a distant war, and is unsure how to break the news to his pregnant wife.
Khalid Al Mahmood will produce the project through UAE-based Faradees Production. The script has already received support from the UAE’s Ministry of Interior, which awarded it with the $100,000 Best Societal Screenplay prize at last year’s Diff.
Ahmed was presented with the Iwc Filmmaker Award at a ceremony at the One & Only Mirage in Dubai last night. Palestinian actor Ali Suliman headed the jury, which also included Iwc CEO Georges Kern, Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali and Diff chairman Abdulhamid Juma.
The script follows a father who receives tragic news about his son, fighting in a distant war, and is unsure how to break the news to his pregnant wife.
Khalid Al Mahmood will produce the project through UAE-based Faradees Production. The script has already received support from the UAE’s Ministry of Interior, which awarded it with the $100,000 Best Societal Screenplay prize at last year’s Diff.
Ahmed was presented with the Iwc Filmmaker Award at a ceremony at the One & Only Mirage in Dubai last night. Palestinian actor Ali Suliman headed the jury, which also included Iwc CEO Georges Kern, Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali and Diff chairman Abdulhamid Juma.
- 12/9/2016
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Three Gulf film-makers in running for prize worth $100,000.
The UAE’s Nujoom Al Ghanem[pictured] and Abdullah Hassan Ahmed and Qatari director Hafiz Ali Ali have been short-listed for the fifth edition of the Iwc Filmmaker Award at the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) in December.
The award, organised by Diff in partnership with the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Iwc Schaffhausen, is worth $100,000 and is aimed at helping film-makers get their projects from script to production.
It will be presented at the annual Iwc gala dinner during Diff on Dec 8.
“The Iwc Filmmaker Award takes promising local film projects to the next level and reflects all the values that our festival stands for,” said Diff Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
Iwc Regional Brand Director Luc Rochereau said: “We are enthusiastic about supporting the Gulf’s evolving film industry and contributing to the development of Arab filmmaking.”
Each nominee will present their project to a jury of industry...
The UAE’s Nujoom Al Ghanem[pictured] and Abdullah Hassan Ahmed and Qatari director Hafiz Ali Ali have been short-listed for the fifth edition of the Iwc Filmmaker Award at the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) in December.
The award, organised by Diff in partnership with the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Iwc Schaffhausen, is worth $100,000 and is aimed at helping film-makers get their projects from script to production.
It will be presented at the annual Iwc gala dinner during Diff on Dec 8.
“The Iwc Filmmaker Award takes promising local film projects to the next level and reflects all the values that our festival stands for,” said Diff Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
Iwc Regional Brand Director Luc Rochereau said: “We are enthusiastic about supporting the Gulf’s evolving film industry and contributing to the development of Arab filmmaking.”
Each nominee will present their project to a jury of industry...
- 11/2/2016
- ScreenDaily
Layla Kaylif’s The Letter Writer was awarded the $100,000 Iwc Filmmaker Award at a ceremony at the One & Only Mirage in Dubai on Thursday night.
Kaylif received the award from actor Dev Patel. Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad presided over a jury that also included Iwc Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern, Tunisian actress Hend Sabry, Diff chairman Abdulhamid Juma and Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
Set in 1960s Dubai, Kaylif’s project tells the story of a boy who writes letters for illiterate travellers. Alcove Entertainment’s Amina Dasmal and Robin Fox are on board as producers.
Kaylif received the award from actor Dev Patel. Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad presided over a jury that also included Iwc Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern, Tunisian actress Hend Sabry, Diff chairman Abdulhamid Juma and Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
Set in 1960s Dubai, Kaylif’s project tells the story of a boy who writes letters for illiterate travellers. Alcove Entertainment’s Amina Dasmal and Robin Fox are on board as producers.
- 12/10/2015
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Spotlight, Truth and Concussion are also among the festival’s programme.
Lenny Abrahamson’s Oscar-contender Room will open the 12th Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) this year, which will run December 9-16.
The film, an adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s novel, tells the story of a young mother and her 5-year-old son who are held captive in a small room. Lead actress Brie Larson has already received nominations at the Gotham Awards and yesterday’s Independent Spirits for her performance, and is a favourite for the Academy Awards next year.
The festival will be closed by Adam McKay’s The Big Short, which has an ensemble cast featuring Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Christian Bale and Brad Pitt, and recently premiered at Los Angeles’ AFI Fest (Nov 5-12).
Other films screening include: Tom McCarthy’s Spotlight; James Vanderbilt’s Truth; Peter Landesman’s Concussion; Nicholas Hytner’s The Lady In The Van; and Hany Abu-Assad’s The Idol...
Lenny Abrahamson’s Oscar-contender Room will open the 12th Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) this year, which will run December 9-16.
The film, an adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s novel, tells the story of a young mother and her 5-year-old son who are held captive in a small room. Lead actress Brie Larson has already received nominations at the Gotham Awards and yesterday’s Independent Spirits for her performance, and is a favourite for the Academy Awards next year.
The festival will be closed by Adam McKay’s The Big Short, which has an ensemble cast featuring Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Christian Bale and Brad Pitt, and recently premiered at Los Angeles’ AFI Fest (Nov 5-12).
Other films screening include: Tom McCarthy’s Spotlight; James Vanderbilt’s Truth; Peter Landesman’s Concussion; Nicholas Hytner’s The Lady In The Van; and Hany Abu-Assad’s The Idol...
- 11/25/2015
- ScreenDaily
The Dubai International Film Festival has unveiled the first seven selections for its Muhr feature film competition, which will in total include 18 films from across the Arab world.
The selections include Moroccan filmmaker Hisham Lasri’s Starve Your Dog, which marks his third time in competition in Dubai; the film has premiered in Toronto. The Casablanca-set story is about a journalist trying to make a comeback when he lands an interview with the minister of a despotic former regime.
Two other Toronto titles selected are: Mai Masri with her fictional directorial debut 3000 Nights, also supported by Enjaaz. The story follows a woman in an Israeli prison who discovers she is pregnant after being wrongly sentenced. And Lebanese director Danielle Arbid’s Parisienne, about a young girl who escapes the Lebanese Civil War in the 1990s to live in Paris.
Iraq-born Halkwat Mustafa comes to the competition with the world premiere of El Clasico, which is supported...
The selections include Moroccan filmmaker Hisham Lasri’s Starve Your Dog, which marks his third time in competition in Dubai; the film has premiered in Toronto. The Casablanca-set story is about a journalist trying to make a comeback when he lands an interview with the minister of a despotic former regime.
Two other Toronto titles selected are: Mai Masri with her fictional directorial debut 3000 Nights, also supported by Enjaaz. The story follows a woman in an Israeli prison who discovers she is pregnant after being wrongly sentenced. And Lebanese director Danielle Arbid’s Parisienne, about a young girl who escapes the Lebanese Civil War in the 1990s to live in Paris.
Iraq-born Halkwat Mustafa comes to the competition with the world premiere of El Clasico, which is supported...
- 11/3/2015
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Emirati filmmaker Saeed Salmeen Al Murry has won the inaugural Ministry of Interior Award for Best Societal Screenplay at the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) for his project Going To Heaven.
The $100,000 award is for a screenplay that addresses issues regarding child welfare.
Going To Heaven tells the story of a 10-year-old boy in Abu Dhabi who is starved of love at home and sets off on a journey with a friend to find his grandmother in Fujairah.
A graduate of the New York Film Academy in Abu Dhabi, Al Murry has directed acclaimed films including short Bint Mariam and feature Sundress, which screened at several international film festivals and was also released in the UAE.
“The choice to establish this award confirms the power of film, its reach, scope and effectiveness at communicating with the wider society,” said Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
“Through this award, filmmakers will be recognised for their valuable efforts...
The $100,000 award is for a screenplay that addresses issues regarding child welfare.
Going To Heaven tells the story of a 10-year-old boy in Abu Dhabi who is starved of love at home and sets off on a journey with a friend to find his grandmother in Fujairah.
A graduate of the New York Film Academy in Abu Dhabi, Al Murry has directed acclaimed films including short Bint Mariam and feature Sundress, which screened at several international film festivals and was also released in the UAE.
“The choice to establish this award confirms the power of film, its reach, scope and effectiveness at communicating with the wider society,” said Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
“Through this award, filmmakers will be recognised for their valuable efforts...
- 12/17/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Yemeni filmmaker Khadija Al-Salami won the top prize at the Dubai International Film Festival for her powerful I Am Nujoom, Age 10 And Divorced, about Yemeni child brides. Adapted from the book of the same name, the film won a rave review from Jury President Lee Daniels. “I love this film so much,” he commented at the fest’s awards ceremony.
The award marks a spectacular redemptive arc for Al-Salami, who was herself a child bride in her native Yemen before escaping the abusive relationship.
Now in its 11th year, Dubai has cemented its position as one of the premier platforms for Arab cinema in the world. While its host city is synonymous with glittering high rises and seven star hotels, the festival has etched out a place as a much-needed serious-minded and thoughtful meeting place for the region’s filmmakers.
The best non-fiction film went to local Emirati director Nujoom Al Ghanem for Nearby Sky,...
The award marks a spectacular redemptive arc for Al-Salami, who was herself a child bride in her native Yemen before escaping the abusive relationship.
Now in its 11th year, Dubai has cemented its position as one of the premier platforms for Arab cinema in the world. While its host city is synonymous with glittering high rises and seven star hotels, the festival has etched out a place as a much-needed serious-minded and thoughtful meeting place for the region’s filmmakers.
The best non-fiction film went to local Emirati director Nujoom Al Ghanem for Nearby Sky,...
- 12/16/2014
- by Ali Jaafar
- Deadline
Kuwaiti filmmaker Abdullah Boushahri won the $100,000 Iwc Filmmaker Award for his feature project The Water at the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) on Thursday night.
Boushahri received with award from actress Emily Blunt, who sat on the jury along with Iwc Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern, Diff chairman Abdulhamid Juma, Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali, director Marc Forster, Iwc Schaffhausen brand director Karoline Huber and Screen International’s Mark Adams.
Set during a drought in the city of Kuwait in the early 20th century, The Water revolves around a young man with a melodious voice, who is in love with a beautiful girl from a lower-caste family. The two lovers face a multitude of social obstacles as the city’s residents turn to desperate measures to obtain water.
Boushahri previously produced the feature-length film Losing Ahmad, which made its world premiere at Diff in 2006 and won best documentary in the Gulf at the Emirates Film Competition...
Boushahri received with award from actress Emily Blunt, who sat on the jury along with Iwc Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern, Diff chairman Abdulhamid Juma, Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali, director Marc Forster, Iwc Schaffhausen brand director Karoline Huber and Screen International’s Mark Adams.
Set during a drought in the city of Kuwait in the early 20th century, The Water revolves around a young man with a melodious voice, who is in love with a beautiful girl from a lower-caste family. The two lovers face a multitude of social obstacles as the city’s residents turn to desperate measures to obtain water.
Boushahri previously produced the feature-length film Losing Ahmad, which made its world premiere at Diff in 2006 and won best documentary in the Gulf at the Emirates Film Competition...
- 12/12/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
The 11th edition of Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) combines a host of award season contenders with a fresh crop of Arab fare.
Oscar-tipped Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory Of Everything will open the 11th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival tonight (December 9).
The gala screening follows hot on the heels of the film’s UK premiere in London on Tuesday, amid rave reviews and predictions that actor Eddie Redmayne, who plays the physicist, is on route for an academy award.
The Theory Of Everything is among a slew of award season contenders playing at Diff this year, including St. Vincent and Birdman as well as foreign-language submissions Dukhtar (Pakistan), Mommy (Canada) and Wild Tales (Argentina).
Other international titles include Bennett Miller’s Foxcatcher, Morten Tyldum’s The Imitation Game, Jean-Marc Vallée’s Wild and Andrea Di Stefano’s Escobar: Paradise Lost. Rob Marshall’s musical fantasy film Into The Woods is the closing film.
“A...
Oscar-tipped Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory Of Everything will open the 11th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival tonight (December 9).
The gala screening follows hot on the heels of the film’s UK premiere in London on Tuesday, amid rave reviews and predictions that actor Eddie Redmayne, who plays the physicist, is on route for an academy award.
The Theory Of Everything is among a slew of award season contenders playing at Diff this year, including St. Vincent and Birdman as well as foreign-language submissions Dukhtar (Pakistan), Mommy (Canada) and Wild Tales (Argentina).
Other international titles include Bennett Miller’s Foxcatcher, Morten Tyldum’s The Imitation Game, Jean-Marc Vallée’s Wild and Andrea Di Stefano’s Escobar: Paradise Lost. Rob Marshall’s musical fantasy film Into The Woods is the closing film.
“A...
- 12/10/2014
- ScreenDaily
Lee Daniels is heading the jury for the Muhr Feature competition at this year’s Dubai International Film Festival (Diff), while Egyptian filmmaker Mohamed Khan heads the jury for the Muhr Shorts & Emirati competition.
Daniels, the director and producer of Oscar-winning films Precious and The Butler, will be joined by Dutch cinematographer and director Leonard Retel Helmrich, Algerian director Malik Bensmail, actress Virginia Madsen and Lebanese director and actress Nadine Labaki.
Khan will be joined by Palestinian director Cherien Dabis and Emirati screenwriter Mohammed Hasan Ahmed.
One of Egypt’s best-known directors, Khan attended Diff last year with his latest film Factory Girl, which won the Fipresci award and best actress for Yasmin Raeis’ performance.
“The groundbreaking works entered into the reputable Muhr Awards this year have proven the fruits of our labour over the past 11 years,” said Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
“The number of entries has increased in line with the caliber of the...
Daniels, the director and producer of Oscar-winning films Precious and The Butler, will be joined by Dutch cinematographer and director Leonard Retel Helmrich, Algerian director Malik Bensmail, actress Virginia Madsen and Lebanese director and actress Nadine Labaki.
Khan will be joined by Palestinian director Cherien Dabis and Emirati screenwriter Mohammed Hasan Ahmed.
One of Egypt’s best-known directors, Khan attended Diff last year with his latest film Factory Girl, which won the Fipresci award and best actress for Yasmin Raeis’ performance.
“The groundbreaking works entered into the reputable Muhr Awards this year have proven the fruits of our labour over the past 11 years,” said Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
“The number of entries has increased in line with the caliber of the...
- 12/5/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
A group of emerging UAE directors and their experienced peers will participate in the Dubai International Film Festival’s (Diff’s) Muhr Emirati Competition, which places the Emirates firmly in the spotlight.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Diff Artistic Director, said: “Diff has always worked towards fostering the UAE’s film industry, and the Muhr Emirati Awards reflect this by highlighting the ground-breaking works of our local filmmakers. With each year that passes the quality increases and likewise competition escalates. We are proud of the significant works being produced by our Emirati directors, which add weight to the burgeoning film industry here in the UAE and firmly places the Emirates on the world cinematic map. This year is set to be more successful than ever from a local standpoint,” he said.
All of the films in the competition will be enjoying world premiere status when they’re screened this December.
Receiving its world premiere "Abood Kandaishan" is a comedic take on one simple-minded man’s life. Abood is set to be transferred within the company he’s worked 13 years for, but after he finds out about the transfer he asks his friend Sharabatoh for help to stop it. The two become friends after Abood asks for his help, but an accident puts paid to their friendship. This touching look at life feature film is directed by Fadel Almheiri.
Ali Bin Matar’s world premiere of his compelling short "Chances Have Endings" is a psychological drama about a young man’s problems that go viral on social networks.
In Suqrat Bin Bisher’s world premiere short documentary "Burden," a young Emirati man pays for the crime he’s committed with a life sentence. In a poignant look at life, the film focuses on the shame and despair the man has brought to his family and loved ones.
In TwoFour54 production "The Drive" another world premiere written and directed by Mariam Al Nuaimi, Ahmed begins the long drive home after work when he starts to encounter strange incidents. As he’s so sleepy, he can’t tell if the odd things he sees are real, paranormal or whether he’s hallucinating. Stopping at a petrol station he decides to drink a cup of coffee to wake himself up, but will it really help put a stop to his nightmare?
"The Other Dimension" follows the journey of a risk-taking, careless 20-year-old, who spends his time making trouble. After he’s in an accident he realizes his past mistakes and starts to see himself in another dimension. However, he becomes stuck between reality and his imagination and struggles to get back to his real life. But is it all in his imagination? This moral look at life is a world premiere directed by Aisha Alzaabi.
"The Confession" takes the viewer into the world of street crime and the church. Based in Paris, the film follows a prostitute who’s chased through the streets of the French capital, only to find herself confessing her sins to a Priest while she hides in a church. "The Confession" directed by Mohammed Swaidan will receive its world premiere.
Shahad Al Shehhi’s "Hidden" looks at the life of a bored, middle-aged housewife, who decides she wants to have extra-marital encounters to satisfy her sense of adventure. One of these affairs becomes all the more daring, when her paramour finds himself in the flat at the same time as her husband.
"Hidden" and "The Confession" are the result of an intensive five-week course attended by the filmmakers at the Gulf Summer University Programme at La Fémis in Paris held earlier this year and will both enjoy their world premieres at the Festival.
In the world premiere of "Love X-Large," a young man, who is obese, chases the mirage of love. Rejected by the cousin he loves, he is engaged to a girl, who loves him despite his weight. He realizes that to be loved unconditionally is truly a ‘"Love X-Large." Directed by Khalid Ali, this world premiere film is a heartwarming tale of love, life and loss.
The winners will be announced during the closing ceremony of the 11th edition of the Festival, which runs from December 10th to 17 th 2014.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Diff Artistic Director, said: “Diff has always worked towards fostering the UAE’s film industry, and the Muhr Emirati Awards reflect this by highlighting the ground-breaking works of our local filmmakers. With each year that passes the quality increases and likewise competition escalates. We are proud of the significant works being produced by our Emirati directors, which add weight to the burgeoning film industry here in the UAE and firmly places the Emirates on the world cinematic map. This year is set to be more successful than ever from a local standpoint,” he said.
All of the films in the competition will be enjoying world premiere status when they’re screened this December.
Receiving its world premiere "Abood Kandaishan" is a comedic take on one simple-minded man’s life. Abood is set to be transferred within the company he’s worked 13 years for, but after he finds out about the transfer he asks his friend Sharabatoh for help to stop it. The two become friends after Abood asks for his help, but an accident puts paid to their friendship. This touching look at life feature film is directed by Fadel Almheiri.
Ali Bin Matar’s world premiere of his compelling short "Chances Have Endings" is a psychological drama about a young man’s problems that go viral on social networks.
In Suqrat Bin Bisher’s world premiere short documentary "Burden," a young Emirati man pays for the crime he’s committed with a life sentence. In a poignant look at life, the film focuses on the shame and despair the man has brought to his family and loved ones.
In TwoFour54 production "The Drive" another world premiere written and directed by Mariam Al Nuaimi, Ahmed begins the long drive home after work when he starts to encounter strange incidents. As he’s so sleepy, he can’t tell if the odd things he sees are real, paranormal or whether he’s hallucinating. Stopping at a petrol station he decides to drink a cup of coffee to wake himself up, but will it really help put a stop to his nightmare?
"The Other Dimension" follows the journey of a risk-taking, careless 20-year-old, who spends his time making trouble. After he’s in an accident he realizes his past mistakes and starts to see himself in another dimension. However, he becomes stuck between reality and his imagination and struggles to get back to his real life. But is it all in his imagination? This moral look at life is a world premiere directed by Aisha Alzaabi.
"The Confession" takes the viewer into the world of street crime and the church. Based in Paris, the film follows a prostitute who’s chased through the streets of the French capital, only to find herself confessing her sins to a Priest while she hides in a church. "The Confession" directed by Mohammed Swaidan will receive its world premiere.
Shahad Al Shehhi’s "Hidden" looks at the life of a bored, middle-aged housewife, who decides she wants to have extra-marital encounters to satisfy her sense of adventure. One of these affairs becomes all the more daring, when her paramour finds himself in the flat at the same time as her husband.
"Hidden" and "The Confession" are the result of an intensive five-week course attended by the filmmakers at the Gulf Summer University Programme at La Fémis in Paris held earlier this year and will both enjoy their world premieres at the Festival.
In the world premiere of "Love X-Large," a young man, who is obese, chases the mirage of love. Rejected by the cousin he loves, he is engaged to a girl, who loves him despite his weight. He realizes that to be loved unconditionally is truly a ‘"Love X-Large." Directed by Khalid Ali, this world premiere film is a heartwarming tale of love, life and loss.
The winners will be announced during the closing ceremony of the 11th edition of the Festival, which runs from December 10th to 17 th 2014.
- 11/26/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The Price of Fame, St Vincent among ‘Cinema of the World’ strand.
The Dubai International Film Festival (Dec 10 – 17) has finalised its ‘Cinema of the World’ section, with films including Xavier Beauvois’ comedy The Price of Fame, starring Benoît Poelvoorde, Roschdy Zem and Nadine Labaki, and Theodore Melfi’s St Vincent, starring Bill Murray.
Also among the lineup are Ruben Östlund’s Force Majeure, Christian Petzold’s Phoenix, Danis Tanović’s Tigers and Peter Ho-sun Chan’s Chinese box office hit Dearest.
Mia Hansen-Løve’s Eden also plays alongside Sergei Loznitsa’s documentary Maidan, François Girard’s Boychoir, Gabe Polsky’s doc Red Army and comedy Meet the Patels.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Diff artistic director, said: “The Cinema of the World section of Diff is one of the most popular programming segments, bringing directors, actors and writers from around the globe to the multicultural audience at the Festival.”
Nashen Moodley, head of the...
The Dubai International Film Festival (Dec 10 – 17) has finalised its ‘Cinema of the World’ section, with films including Xavier Beauvois’ comedy The Price of Fame, starring Benoît Poelvoorde, Roschdy Zem and Nadine Labaki, and Theodore Melfi’s St Vincent, starring Bill Murray.
Also among the lineup are Ruben Östlund’s Force Majeure, Christian Petzold’s Phoenix, Danis Tanović’s Tigers and Peter Ho-sun Chan’s Chinese box office hit Dearest.
Mia Hansen-Løve’s Eden also plays alongside Sergei Loznitsa’s documentary Maidan, François Girard’s Boychoir, Gabe Polsky’s doc Red Army and comedy Meet the Patels.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Diff artistic director, said: “The Cinema of the World section of Diff is one of the most popular programming segments, bringing directors, actors and writers from around the globe to the multicultural audience at the Festival.”
Nashen Moodley, head of the...
- 11/12/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Oscar-nominated producer, writer and director Lee Daniels will head the jury for the 11th Dubai International Film Festival’s (Diff) prestigious Muhr Feature Competition, festival organizers announced today. This year’s edition of the festival will run from December 10 to 17, 2014.
Daniels’s most recent production was the box-office hit "Lee Daniels' The Butler" (2013), which starred Forrest Whittaker, Oprah Winfrey and Mariah Carey. Prior to "The Butler" he produced and directed the critically acclaimed Oscar winning drama "Precious", which won numerous awards including two Oscars for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for Monique, and Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay for Geoffrey Fletcher and made Daniels the first African-American to have directed a film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.
The multi-talented Daniels has not followed a traditional role in film; he started in the industry as a casting director, and subsequently managed talent for a number of years before producing and, finally, directing and writing films which have received international acclaim.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director, Dubai International Film Festival, said: “Lee Daniels is one of the most distinguished American filmmakers today, who has built his illustrious career on embracing the dynamics and diversities of life’s challenging situations, he is uniquely poised to understand filmmakers from the Arab world, their aspirations, and their unique viewpoints.”
“It is exciting to welcome an artist as unconventional, yet commercially minded; a compassionate and honest artist who has created a niche for himself within Hollywood. We look forward to understanding the motivation behind Mr. Daniels work further when we welcome him to the UAE.”
Daniels will head a jury of four members, who will weigh each of the formidable entries in the hopes of garlanding a winner. The Muhr competition has become the region’s foremost platform for launching new works by Arab filmmakers, regularly welcoming cinematic giants such as Egypt’s Mohamed Khan, Palestinian Oscar nominee Hany Abu Assad, and Saudi Arabia’s Haifaa Al Mansour.
Speaking ahead of his visit to Diff Lee Daniels commented, “I’m thrilled to be visiting the Emirates for the first time and to have the privilege of being part of the Dubai International Film Festival’s jury. This festival is truly a host to international cinema, it’s an exciting time for me to join the festival and experience everything that it has to offer.”
The Muhr competition celebrates feature, documentary and short films, and non-feature films by filmmakers from the region. Diff audiences can view all shortlisted competition films as part of the regular festival programming from December 10 to 17, 2014.
Further information, as well as screening times and venues, can be found on the festival’s website on www.dubaifilmfest.com.
Daniels’s most recent production was the box-office hit "Lee Daniels' The Butler" (2013), which starred Forrest Whittaker, Oprah Winfrey and Mariah Carey. Prior to "The Butler" he produced and directed the critically acclaimed Oscar winning drama "Precious", which won numerous awards including two Oscars for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for Monique, and Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay for Geoffrey Fletcher and made Daniels the first African-American to have directed a film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.
The multi-talented Daniels has not followed a traditional role in film; he started in the industry as a casting director, and subsequently managed talent for a number of years before producing and, finally, directing and writing films which have received international acclaim.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director, Dubai International Film Festival, said: “Lee Daniels is one of the most distinguished American filmmakers today, who has built his illustrious career on embracing the dynamics and diversities of life’s challenging situations, he is uniquely poised to understand filmmakers from the Arab world, their aspirations, and their unique viewpoints.”
“It is exciting to welcome an artist as unconventional, yet commercially minded; a compassionate and honest artist who has created a niche for himself within Hollywood. We look forward to understanding the motivation behind Mr. Daniels work further when we welcome him to the UAE.”
Daniels will head a jury of four members, who will weigh each of the formidable entries in the hopes of garlanding a winner. The Muhr competition has become the region’s foremost platform for launching new works by Arab filmmakers, regularly welcoming cinematic giants such as Egypt’s Mohamed Khan, Palestinian Oscar nominee Hany Abu Assad, and Saudi Arabia’s Haifaa Al Mansour.
Speaking ahead of his visit to Diff Lee Daniels commented, “I’m thrilled to be visiting the Emirates for the first time and to have the privilege of being part of the Dubai International Film Festival’s jury. This festival is truly a host to international cinema, it’s an exciting time for me to join the festival and experience everything that it has to offer.”
The Muhr competition celebrates feature, documentary and short films, and non-feature films by filmmakers from the region. Diff audiences can view all shortlisted competition films as part of the regular festival programming from December 10 to 17, 2014.
Further information, as well as screening times and venues, can be found on the festival’s website on www.dubaifilmfest.com.
- 11/10/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Oscar-nominated producer, writer and director to head jury at upcoming Dubai International Film Festival (Dec 10-17).
Lee Daniels will head the jury for Dubai International Film Festival’s (Diff) Muhr Feature Competition.
Daniels, who produced and directed the Oscar winner Precious and domestic box office hit The Butler, will lead a jury of four members to be announced.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, artistic director, Diff, commented: “Lee Daniels is one of the most distinguished American filmmakers today, who has built his illustrious career on embracing the dynamics and diversities of life’s challenging situations, he is uniquely poised to understand filmmakers from the Arab world, their aspirations, and their unique viewpoints.”
“I’m thrilled to be visiting the Emirates for the first time and to have the privilege of being part of the Dubai International Film Festival’s jury. This festival is truly a host to international cinema, it’s an exciting time for me to join...
Lee Daniels will head the jury for Dubai International Film Festival’s (Diff) Muhr Feature Competition.
Daniels, who produced and directed the Oscar winner Precious and domestic box office hit The Butler, will lead a jury of four members to be announced.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, artistic director, Diff, commented: “Lee Daniels is one of the most distinguished American filmmakers today, who has built his illustrious career on embracing the dynamics and diversities of life’s challenging situations, he is uniquely poised to understand filmmakers from the Arab world, their aspirations, and their unique viewpoints.”
“I’m thrilled to be visiting the Emirates for the first time and to have the privilege of being part of the Dubai International Film Festival’s jury. This festival is truly a host to international cinema, it’s an exciting time for me to join...
- 11/4/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
Diff has added a new section, Iraqi Legacy: Children of the Future, which will screen six short films from Iraq’s new generation of filmmakers.
Most of the films are affiliated with the Iraqi Independent Cinema Centre (Iicc), established by Iraqi filmmakers Mohamed Al Daradji (Son Of Babylon) and Oday Rasheed (Qarantina).
Two of the six Iraqi Legacy shorts are screening in the Muhr Arab Shorts competition – Meedo Ali’s Children Of War, which offers a child’s perspective on war through the drawings of an Iraqi orphan, and Ahmed Yassin’s Children Of God, about a young boy attempting to win the heart of the goalkeeper of a girls’ football team.
The other shorts are Mohanad Hayal’s Happy Birthday, Yahya Al-Allaq’s War Canister, Luay Fadhil Abbas’ Lipstick and Nesma’s Birds, from Medoo Ali and Najwan Ali, the only film in the programme that features a female filmmaker.
“The Iraqi Legacy...
Most of the films are affiliated with the Iraqi Independent Cinema Centre (Iicc), established by Iraqi filmmakers Mohamed Al Daradji (Son Of Babylon) and Oday Rasheed (Qarantina).
Two of the six Iraqi Legacy shorts are screening in the Muhr Arab Shorts competition – Meedo Ali’s Children Of War, which offers a child’s perspective on war through the drawings of an Iraqi orphan, and Ahmed Yassin’s Children Of God, about a young boy attempting to win the heart of the goalkeeper of a girls’ football team.
The other shorts are Mohanad Hayal’s Happy Birthday, Yahya Al-Allaq’s War Canister, Luay Fadhil Abbas’ Lipstick and Nesma’s Birds, from Medoo Ali and Najwan Ali, the only film in the programme that features a female filmmaker.
“The Iraqi Legacy...
- 12/6/2013
- ScreenDaily
David O. Russell’s American Hustle has been selected for the closing night gala of the 10th Dubai International Film Festival (Diff), which runs December 6-14.
Produced by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna and Chuck Roven’s Atlas, the film stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Louis Ck and Robert De Niro.
Set against the backdrop of one of the biggest scandals to rock the Us, the film revolves around a conman (Bale) who is forced to work for an unhinged FBI agent (Cooper).
Diff will be the first festival to screen the film. Italia Films has rights for the Middle East.
Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are thrilled to bring David O. Russell’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning films The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook to Diff audiences this year.
“With one of the most exciting filmmakers working today at the helm, an outstanding...
Produced by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna and Chuck Roven’s Atlas, the film stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Louis Ck and Robert De Niro.
Set against the backdrop of one of the biggest scandals to rock the Us, the film revolves around a conman (Bale) who is forced to work for an unhinged FBI agent (Cooper).
Diff will be the first festival to screen the film. Italia Films has rights for the Middle East.
Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are thrilled to bring David O. Russell’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning films The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook to Diff audiences this year.
“With one of the most exciting filmmakers working today at the helm, an outstanding...
- 11/18/2013
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
David O. Russell’s American Hustle has been selected for the closing night gala of the 10th Dubai International Film Festival (Diff), which runs December 6-14.
Produced by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna and Chuck Roven’s Atlas, the film stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Louis Ck and Robert De Niro.
Set against the backdrop of one of the biggest scandals to rock the Us, the film revolves around a conman (Bale) who is forced to work for an unhinged FBI agent (Cooper).
Diff will be the first festival to screen the film. Italia Films has rights for the Middle East.
Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are thrilled to bring David O. Russell’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning films The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook to Diff audiences this year.
“With one of the most exciting filmmakers working today at the helm, an outstanding...
Produced by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna and Chuck Roven’s Atlas, the film stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Louis Ck and Robert De Niro.
Set against the backdrop of one of the biggest scandals to rock the Us, the film revolves around a conman (Bale) who is forced to work for an unhinged FBI agent (Cooper).
Diff will be the first festival to screen the film. Italia Films has rights for the Middle East.
Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are thrilled to bring David O. Russell’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning films The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook to Diff audiences this year.
“With one of the most exciting filmmakers working today at the helm, an outstanding...
- 11/18/2013
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
David O. Russell’s American Hustle has been selected for the closing night gala of the 10th Dubai International Film Festival (Diff), which runs December 6-14.
Produced by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna and Chuck Roven’s Atlas, the film stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Louis Ck and Robert De Niro. Set against the backdrop of one of the biggest scandals to rock the Us, the film revolves around a conman (Bale) who is forced to work for an unhinged FBI agent (Cooper).
Diff will be the first festival to screen the film. Italia Films has rights for the Middle East.
Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are thrilled to bring David O. Russell’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning films The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook to Diff audiences this year. With one of the most exciting filmmakers working today at the helm, an outstanding...
Produced by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna and Chuck Roven’s Atlas, the film stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Louis Ck and Robert De Niro. Set against the backdrop of one of the biggest scandals to rock the Us, the film revolves around a conman (Bale) who is forced to work for an unhinged FBI agent (Cooper).
Diff will be the first festival to screen the film. Italia Films has rights for the Middle East.
Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are thrilled to bring David O. Russell’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning films The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook to Diff audiences this year. With one of the most exciting filmmakers working today at the helm, an outstanding...
- 11/18/2013
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
The Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) has announced the first collection of the hotly anticipated Muhr Arab feature film contestants highlighting the most significant films in the Arab world this year. Diff Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali expanded on the category: “From the Festival’s inauguration, we took the promotion and expansion of Arab cinema as our primary objective. The field for the Muhr Awards has grown from year to year because it is recognized in the region as a key platform for a film’s release and a powerful endorsement from the filmmaker’s peer community.” “Filmgoers benefit because these films are the newest in the region, they are topical and powerful, and...
- 11/14/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Laila Marrakchi's family drama "Rock the Casbah," starring screen legend Omar Sharif, is among the titles picked to compete for the festival's Muhr Arab competition plaudit.
London -- Laila Marrakchi's family drama Rock the Casbah, the follow-up to the filmmaker's Marock, is one of a slew of titles to be scheduled to unspool as part of the 10th edition the Muhr Arab competition strand at the upcoming Dubai International Film Festival (Diff).
Marrakchi's movie features some of the Arab world’s most acclaimed actors including Hiam Abbass, Nadine Labaki, Lubna Azabal, Morjana Alaoui and icon Omar Sharif.
The film is set over three days in Tangiers, Morocco and revolves around the revelations and reconciliations between three sisters during a family gathering for the funeral of patriarch, Moulay Hassan (Sharif).
Story: Sean Gullette's Directorial Debut to Premiere at Dubai International Film Festival
Festival organizers also said award-winning Moroccan filmmaker Hicham...
London -- Laila Marrakchi's family drama Rock the Casbah, the follow-up to the filmmaker's Marock, is one of a slew of titles to be scheduled to unspool as part of the 10th edition the Muhr Arab competition strand at the upcoming Dubai International Film Festival (Diff).
Marrakchi's movie features some of the Arab world’s most acclaimed actors including Hiam Abbass, Nadine Labaki, Lubna Azabal, Morjana Alaoui and icon Omar Sharif.
The film is set over three days in Tangiers, Morocco and revolves around the revelations and reconciliations between three sisters during a family gathering for the funeral of patriarch, Moulay Hassan (Sharif).
Story: Sean Gullette's Directorial Debut to Premiere at Dubai International Film Festival
Festival organizers also said award-winning Moroccan filmmaker Hicham...
- 11/13/2013
- by Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscar-nominated director to lead the Muhr Arab Features Jury at the 10th Dubai International Film Festival.
The Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) has named director, producer and writer Jim Sheridan as head of the jury for the Muhr Arab Feature Competition for the 10th edition (Dec 6-14).
The Irish filmmaker launched his career in 1989 with My Left Foot, which scored Oscars for actor Daniel Day-Lewis and co-star Brenda Fricker.
Sheridan reunited with Day-Lewis in 1993 for In the Name of the Father, which received seven Academy Award nominations and won the Golden Bear at the 44th Berlin International Film Festival.
Sheridan’s body of work also includes The Boxer, In America, Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ and Brothers, of which the latter screened at the 6th Diff in 2009.
Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are thrilled and honoured that Jim Sheridan is coming to Diff this year to head the jury and we look forward...
The Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) has named director, producer and writer Jim Sheridan as head of the jury for the Muhr Arab Feature Competition for the 10th edition (Dec 6-14).
The Irish filmmaker launched his career in 1989 with My Left Foot, which scored Oscars for actor Daniel Day-Lewis and co-star Brenda Fricker.
Sheridan reunited with Day-Lewis in 1993 for In the Name of the Father, which received seven Academy Award nominations and won the Golden Bear at the 44th Berlin International Film Festival.
Sheridan’s body of work also includes The Boxer, In America, Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ and Brothers, of which the latter screened at the 6th Diff in 2009.
Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are thrilled and honoured that Jim Sheridan is coming to Diff this year to head the jury and we look forward...
- 10/8/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) has announced the first tranche of titles to play in its Cinema Of The World Section.
Cinema Of The World aims to present innovative films from a range of cinematic voices that have already been receiving international acclaim.
Titles confirmed for this year include Asghar Farhadi’s The Past, which premiered at Cannes and was selected by Iran as its submission for the best foreign-language category of the Academy Awards; Jason Reitman’s Labor Day, which played at Telluride and Toronto; and Clio Barnard’s The Selfish Giant, which premiered in Cannes’ Directors Fortnight.
The line-up also includes Ivan Sen’s Mystery Road; Paolo Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty and Marion Hansel’s Tenderness.
“The Cinema of the World section is a rich and diverse programme ranging from international art-house to Hollywood films from both established and upcoming talent that will captivate audiences this year at Diff,” said Diff artistic...
Cinema Of The World aims to present innovative films from a range of cinematic voices that have already been receiving international acclaim.
Titles confirmed for this year include Asghar Farhadi’s The Past, which premiered at Cannes and was selected by Iran as its submission for the best foreign-language category of the Academy Awards; Jason Reitman’s Labor Day, which played at Telluride and Toronto; and Clio Barnard’s The Selfish Giant, which premiered in Cannes’ Directors Fortnight.
The line-up also includes Ivan Sen’s Mystery Road; Paolo Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty and Marion Hansel’s Tenderness.
“The Cinema of the World section is a rich and diverse programme ranging from international art-house to Hollywood films from both established and upcoming talent that will captivate audiences this year at Diff,” said Diff artistic...
- 9/30/2013
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Former head of programming at the National Film Theatre who brought a wider audience to the London film festival
Sheila Whitaker, who has died aged 77 after suffering from motor neurone disease, was an influential film scholar and festival programmer whose eclecticism and political awareness earned her respect and admiration at an international level. Sheila's 45-year career in cinema culture took her from London and Tyneside to the Middle East, where, in 2004, she helped found the Dubai international film festival, becoming its director of international programming.
As well as celebrating Arab film-making, Sheila endeavoured to bring the best of world cinema to Dubai, imprinting on the festival her particular interest in Hollywood and Latin American films. The artistic director of the festival, Masoud Amralla Al Ali, described her as "meticulous, clear, opinionated, professional and passionate … She dedicated her life to understanding the emerging cinema." She also had unyielding feminist convictions, championed female film-makers,...
Sheila Whitaker, who has died aged 77 after suffering from motor neurone disease, was an influential film scholar and festival programmer whose eclecticism and political awareness earned her respect and admiration at an international level. Sheila's 45-year career in cinema culture took her from London and Tyneside to the Middle East, where, in 2004, she helped found the Dubai international film festival, becoming its director of international programming.
As well as celebrating Arab film-making, Sheila endeavoured to bring the best of world cinema to Dubai, imprinting on the festival her particular interest in Hollywood and Latin American films. The artistic director of the festival, Masoud Amralla Al Ali, described her as "meticulous, clear, opinionated, professional and passionate … She dedicated her life to understanding the emerging cinema." She also had unyielding feminist convictions, championed female film-makers,...
- 8/2/2013
- by Clyde Jeavons
- The Guardian - Film News
Sheila Whitaker, former director of the London Film Festival and director of international programs for the Dubai International Film Festival, has died.
Whitaker died yesterday [July 29] in London.
She was head of programming at London’s National Film Theatre – now known as BFI Southbank – from 1984 to 1990, and during her time there took on the duties of running the London Film Festival, acting as director from 1987 to 1996. Whitaker was instrumental in expanding the festival from a largely Nft-based event to a major film festival that spread through the city.
More recently, she had been working with the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) since its inception in 2004 and was a popular figure at the event, hosting screenings and helping bring filmmakers and industry together.
Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “She had been with the festival for nine years, since it began and was determined and looking forward to the 10th edition. Sadly she was...
Whitaker died yesterday [July 29] in London.
She was head of programming at London’s National Film Theatre – now known as BFI Southbank – from 1984 to 1990, and during her time there took on the duties of running the London Film Festival, acting as director from 1987 to 1996. Whitaker was instrumental in expanding the festival from a largely Nft-based event to a major film festival that spread through the city.
More recently, she had been working with the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) since its inception in 2004 and was a popular figure at the event, hosting screenings and helping bring filmmakers and industry together.
Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “She had been with the festival for nine years, since it began and was determined and looking forward to the 10th edition. Sadly she was...
- 7/30/2013
- ScreenDaily
Sheila Whitaker was one of the first people I met on the international film circuit in the days in the 80s and 90s when the London Film Festival meant much more in the world of festivals than it does today.
The obituary below direct from Variety and is written by Pat Saperstein, another woman I have always seen covering film affairs, and I have so often read her articles in Variety without ever noticing the byline. Not only is she an editor at Variety but also for EatingLA.com. I think she deserves more tribute than this, but for now, I want to quote her on Sheila and thank her for letting me know that Sheila, one of my early role models, has passed on. I will be aware for a long time that she is no longer at the places that matter so much in our world, starting with this upcoming Toronto Film Festival where I always would know I could find her at the Dubai and Doha receptions. I know Dubai will miss her greatly as will so many of us.
Sheila Whitaker, who served as director of international programs for the Dubai International Film Festival, died Monday in London.
She was previously director of the London Film Festival from 1987 to 1996, and head of programming at the National Film Theater in London from 1984 to 1990.
Whitaker had been working with the Dubai festival since the fest’s beginning in 2004.
“She dedicated her life to understanding the emerging cinema…From the Arab world, Iran, and Latin America. She engaged with the people of those regions, with their culture and true nature,” wrote the artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali on the Dubai fest’s website.
A lifetime lover of film, she headed the British National Film Archive collection of stills and posters and co-edited “Life and Art: The New Iranian Cinema” and “An Argentine Passion: The Films of Maria Luisa Bemberg.” She served on festival juries from Venice to Syria and was also founding editor of “Writing Women,” a journal of women’s writing. In addition, she wrote obituaries of entertainment figures for the Guardian newspaper.
She was awarded a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Newcastle and an Honorary Doctorate of Law by the University of Warwick.
By
Pat Saperstein[at] Variety_PatS...
The obituary below direct from Variety and is written by Pat Saperstein, another woman I have always seen covering film affairs, and I have so often read her articles in Variety without ever noticing the byline. Not only is she an editor at Variety but also for EatingLA.com. I think she deserves more tribute than this, but for now, I want to quote her on Sheila and thank her for letting me know that Sheila, one of my early role models, has passed on. I will be aware for a long time that she is no longer at the places that matter so much in our world, starting with this upcoming Toronto Film Festival where I always would know I could find her at the Dubai and Doha receptions. I know Dubai will miss her greatly as will so many of us.
Sheila Whitaker, who served as director of international programs for the Dubai International Film Festival, died Monday in London.
She was previously director of the London Film Festival from 1987 to 1996, and head of programming at the National Film Theater in London from 1984 to 1990.
Whitaker had been working with the Dubai festival since the fest’s beginning in 2004.
“She dedicated her life to understanding the emerging cinema…From the Arab world, Iran, and Latin America. She engaged with the people of those regions, with their culture and true nature,” wrote the artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali on the Dubai fest’s website.
A lifetime lover of film, she headed the British National Film Archive collection of stills and posters and co-edited “Life and Art: The New Iranian Cinema” and “An Argentine Passion: The Films of Maria Luisa Bemberg.” She served on festival juries from Venice to Syria and was also founding editor of “Writing Women,” a journal of women’s writing. In addition, she wrote obituaries of entertainment figures for the Guardian newspaper.
She was awarded a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Newcastle and an Honorary Doctorate of Law by the University of Warwick.
By
Pat Saperstein[at] Variety_PatS...
- 7/30/2013
- by Pat Saperstein
- Sydney's Buzz
Stuart Kemp
London – Director Peter Weir, actor Amr Waked, German filmmaker Emily Atef, Lebanese filmmaker Ghassan Salhab and Moroccan film critic Hamid Aidouni will be on jury duty at this year’s Dubai International Film Festival. The jury, headed by the six time Academy award nominee Weirm, will choose the winner from the Muhr Arab features from the festival lineup. Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are honored to have the support of eminent film personalities from around the world to evaluate the submissions for the Muhr Awards.” The festival runs Dec. 7-14. The festival is home
read more...
London – Director Peter Weir, actor Amr Waked, German filmmaker Emily Atef, Lebanese filmmaker Ghassan Salhab and Moroccan film critic Hamid Aidouni will be on jury duty at this year’s Dubai International Film Festival. The jury, headed by the six time Academy award nominee Weirm, will choose the winner from the Muhr Arab features from the festival lineup. Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are honored to have the support of eminent film personalities from around the world to evaluate the submissions for the Muhr Awards.” The festival runs Dec. 7-14. The festival is home
read more...
- 11/23/2011
- by Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) drew to a close with a stunning award ceremony with fireworks, dervish dancing and a rich array of the most wonderful food for hundreds of guests.
The recognition of the best films in the festival and in the AsiaAfrica and Arab Muhr Competitions brought to an end an exciting event in which the crosswinds of Arab nations, Africa and Asia mixed and clarified issues of the film business which will be of great concern for the new cycle the film business is now entering.
The Muhr Awards included a new AsiaAfrica segment embracing films from such emerging markets as Afghanistan, Turkey, Cameroon and Kazakhstan. The Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema made a strong show chosen from filmmakers all over the Middle East and around the world. DIFF's Artistic Director Masoud Amralla al Ali had good reason to be proud and the filmmakers will return with future films, judging on their reactions to the royal treatment they received in Dubai.
The prize for Best Emirati Talent went to Haydar Mohammed, Best Emirati Female Filmmaker was presented to Nujoom Al Ghanem and Best Emirati Filmmaker went to Saeed Salmeen Al-Murry. For the first time, the International Federation of Film Critics, or FIPRESCI, awarded a Best Arab Film prize to Masquerades by Lyes Salem.
Other prizes include the Arab Muhr Competition for Feature Film:
* Best Film: Masquerades by Lyes Salem
* Special Jury Prize: Adhen - Dernier Maquis by Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche
Documentary:
* First Prize: 'Thakirat L Sabbar: Hikayat Thalath Qura Falasteenia' ('Memory Of The Cactus: A Story Of Three Palestinian Villages') by Hanna Musleh
* Special Jury Prize: 'Samaan Bidiyaa' ('The One Man Village') by Simon El Habre
* Second Prize: Marina Of The Zabbaleen by Engi Wassef
Best Cinematographer: Luca Coassin for 'Casanegra'
Best Composer: Sylvain Rifflet for 'Adhen - Dernier Maquis'
Best Editor: Nicolas Bancilhon for 'Adhen - Dernier Maquis'
Best Screenplay: Annemarie Jacir for Milh Hadha Al-Bahr ('Salt Of This Sea')
Best Actress: Hafsia Herzi for Francaise
Best Actor: Anas Elbaz and Omar Lotfi for 'Casanegra'
Short Films:
* First Prize: La Route Du Nord ('The North Road') by Carlos Chahine
* Special Jury Prize: 'Bint Mariam' by Saeed Salmeen Al-Murry
* Second Prize: Sa et Asary ('At Day s End') by Sherif El Bendary
Muhr AsiaAfrica Awards
Feature Film:
* Best Film: Treeless Mountain by So Yong Kim
* Special Jury Prize: Kyuka ('Vacation') by Hajime Kadoi
Documentary:
* First Prize: Mental by Kazuhiro Soda
* Special Jury Prize: 'Xiao Li Zi' ('Survival Song') by Guangyi Yu
* Second Prize: Une Affarie De Negres ('Black Business') by Osvalde Lewat
Best Cinematographer: Reza Teymouri for 'Aram Bash Va Ta Haft Beshmar' ('Be Calm And Count To Seven')
Best Composer: Jorga Mesfin, Vijay Iyer for Teza
Best Editor: Sreekar Prasad for Firaaq
Best Screenplay: Deepa Mehta for Heaven On Earth
Best Actress: Anh Hong for Trang Noi Day Gieng ('Moon At The Bottom Of The Well')
Best Actor: Askhat Kuchinchirekov for Tulpan
Short Films:
* First Prize: 'Shao Nian Xue' ('Young Blood) by Haolun Shu
* Special Jury Prize: 'Expectations' by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
* Second Prize: 'Kam Sanabanyz' ('Everything Is OK') by Akjoltoy Bekbolotov
The festival had previously announced the results of the second annual Dubai Film Connection (DFC), established to bring Arab and international film professionals together. DFC selected 18 projects from 108 submissions, of which three were awarded a US$25,000 Dubai International Film Festival Prize: 'This is my Picture When I Was Dead' by Mahmoud al Massad (Jordan-Netherlands); 'Barbershop Trinity' by Chadi Zeneddine (Lebanon); and 'Ouardia Once Had Sons' by Djamila Sahraoui (Algeria-Morocco). The three producers of the three projects will attend the prestigious 2009 Cannes Producers Network.
'Every Day is a Holiday' by Dima El-Hor (Lebanon-France) won the DIFF Desert Door Work in Progress Award, the 6,000 Euro ‘"International Relations" prize from French broadcaster Arte went to 'Death for Sale' by Faouzi Bensaiei (Morocco-France-Belgium); and the new Bahrain Film Production Company Works in Progress Award went to 'When I Saw You' by Annemarie Jacir (Palestine-Jordan). The new Young Journalist Award, instituted in 2008 to stimulate interest in film criticism as a career in the region, went to Melissa Khan of Mahe Manipal University in Dubai.
Winners of cash prizes from 21 competing projects in the Dubai Film Connection were chosen by a jury. Global film funds, sales companies and distributors will make deals with the winners of cash prizes, which total about $118,000. The Work In Progress Award of $25,000 from Kuwait company Desert Door went to 'Every Day Is A Holiday', a French/ Lebanese/ German co-production by Dima El-Horr and produced by Thierry Lenourvel. 'When I Saw You' by AnneMarie Jacir from Palestine won the $10,000 Bahrain Film Pfoduction Co. award for projects in development. 'Death For Sale' by Morroccan director Faouzi Bensaidi, on the 6,000 Euro prize from ARTE in France. Aside from the DIFF itself, there are numerous other activities all being ably managed by Shivani Pandya, Managing Director. These concurrent events have commanded great interest. The Co-Production Market run by Jane Williams, formerly with Binger Institut of Amsterdam, Hubert Bals Fund and the Rotterdam Cinemart is showing three works in progress including the Sundance FF 2009 Competition film 'Amreeka' by Cherien Dabis plus a list of other films in various stages of development. Working with Julie Bergeron of the Cannes Market Co-Production Market, the Co-Production Market is opening the doors between East and West in a notably winning style made possible to the warm hospitality of the people of Dubai. The Film Market where you can see every film in the festival plus more in a virtual on-demand video market has made its first deal with Alchemy Films picking up the South African feature ' Mr. Bones 2' for the Middle East. 'Mr Bones' producer, Anant Singh, also a favorite son of Los Angeles as well as of South Africa, is in Dubai with the international premiere of the documentary 'More Than Just a Game'. The Dubai Film Market, run by Zaid Yaghi is built on the model of IDFA's documentary market run by Fred De Haas who also manages the Documentary Market at IDFA. Tom Davia, Head of Programme Administration and Film Services also works with the Miami Film Festival. Other attendees here inlcude Thierry Lenouvel whose film 'Rachel' will be in the Berlinale 2009, Filmmaker Magazine and Forensic Films' Scott Maccaulay, Nadia Saah of New York, whose new company Boomgen Studios creates content and, most importantly, creates niche marketing and distribution for films with Middle Eastern content, Iran's M. Mehdi Yadegan of IRIM Media Trade, the largest TV station in the Middle East, producer Caroline Benjo of Haut et Court, international sales agents Pascal Diot of Onoma Films and Wouter Barendrecht of Fortissimo, Raphael Berdugo of Roissy, who is also a producer of 'Caramel', a Lebanese film which was in the Festival de Cannes and has been a great box office success in Lebanon. And, of course, FilmFinders is here seeing what new developments in the Middle East are being created in this time of great change in our film industry.
The recognition of the best films in the festival and in the AsiaAfrica and Arab Muhr Competitions brought to an end an exciting event in which the crosswinds of Arab nations, Africa and Asia mixed and clarified issues of the film business which will be of great concern for the new cycle the film business is now entering.
The Muhr Awards included a new AsiaAfrica segment embracing films from such emerging markets as Afghanistan, Turkey, Cameroon and Kazakhstan. The Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema made a strong show chosen from filmmakers all over the Middle East and around the world. DIFF's Artistic Director Masoud Amralla al Ali had good reason to be proud and the filmmakers will return with future films, judging on their reactions to the royal treatment they received in Dubai.
The prize for Best Emirati Talent went to Haydar Mohammed, Best Emirati Female Filmmaker was presented to Nujoom Al Ghanem and Best Emirati Filmmaker went to Saeed Salmeen Al-Murry. For the first time, the International Federation of Film Critics, or FIPRESCI, awarded a Best Arab Film prize to Masquerades by Lyes Salem.
Other prizes include the Arab Muhr Competition for Feature Film:
* Best Film: Masquerades by Lyes Salem
* Special Jury Prize: Adhen - Dernier Maquis by Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche
Documentary:
* First Prize: 'Thakirat L Sabbar: Hikayat Thalath Qura Falasteenia' ('Memory Of The Cactus: A Story Of Three Palestinian Villages') by Hanna Musleh
* Special Jury Prize: 'Samaan Bidiyaa' ('The One Man Village') by Simon El Habre
* Second Prize: Marina Of The Zabbaleen by Engi Wassef
Best Cinematographer: Luca Coassin for 'Casanegra'
Best Composer: Sylvain Rifflet for 'Adhen - Dernier Maquis'
Best Editor: Nicolas Bancilhon for 'Adhen - Dernier Maquis'
Best Screenplay: Annemarie Jacir for Milh Hadha Al-Bahr ('Salt Of This Sea')
Best Actress: Hafsia Herzi for Francaise
Best Actor: Anas Elbaz and Omar Lotfi for 'Casanegra'
Short Films:
* First Prize: La Route Du Nord ('The North Road') by Carlos Chahine
* Special Jury Prize: 'Bint Mariam' by Saeed Salmeen Al-Murry
* Second Prize: Sa et Asary ('At Day s End') by Sherif El Bendary
Muhr AsiaAfrica Awards
Feature Film:
* Best Film: Treeless Mountain by So Yong Kim
* Special Jury Prize: Kyuka ('Vacation') by Hajime Kadoi
Documentary:
* First Prize: Mental by Kazuhiro Soda
* Special Jury Prize: 'Xiao Li Zi' ('Survival Song') by Guangyi Yu
* Second Prize: Une Affarie De Negres ('Black Business') by Osvalde Lewat
Best Cinematographer: Reza Teymouri for 'Aram Bash Va Ta Haft Beshmar' ('Be Calm And Count To Seven')
Best Composer: Jorga Mesfin, Vijay Iyer for Teza
Best Editor: Sreekar Prasad for Firaaq
Best Screenplay: Deepa Mehta for Heaven On Earth
Best Actress: Anh Hong for Trang Noi Day Gieng ('Moon At The Bottom Of The Well')
Best Actor: Askhat Kuchinchirekov for Tulpan
Short Films:
* First Prize: 'Shao Nian Xue' ('Young Blood) by Haolun Shu
* Special Jury Prize: 'Expectations' by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
* Second Prize: 'Kam Sanabanyz' ('Everything Is OK') by Akjoltoy Bekbolotov
The festival had previously announced the results of the second annual Dubai Film Connection (DFC), established to bring Arab and international film professionals together. DFC selected 18 projects from 108 submissions, of which three were awarded a US$25,000 Dubai International Film Festival Prize: 'This is my Picture When I Was Dead' by Mahmoud al Massad (Jordan-Netherlands); 'Barbershop Trinity' by Chadi Zeneddine (Lebanon); and 'Ouardia Once Had Sons' by Djamila Sahraoui (Algeria-Morocco). The three producers of the three projects will attend the prestigious 2009 Cannes Producers Network.
'Every Day is a Holiday' by Dima El-Hor (Lebanon-France) won the DIFF Desert Door Work in Progress Award, the 6,000 Euro ‘"International Relations" prize from French broadcaster Arte went to 'Death for Sale' by Faouzi Bensaiei (Morocco-France-Belgium); and the new Bahrain Film Production Company Works in Progress Award went to 'When I Saw You' by Annemarie Jacir (Palestine-Jordan). The new Young Journalist Award, instituted in 2008 to stimulate interest in film criticism as a career in the region, went to Melissa Khan of Mahe Manipal University in Dubai.
Winners of cash prizes from 21 competing projects in the Dubai Film Connection were chosen by a jury. Global film funds, sales companies and distributors will make deals with the winners of cash prizes, which total about $118,000. The Work In Progress Award of $25,000 from Kuwait company Desert Door went to 'Every Day Is A Holiday', a French/ Lebanese/ German co-production by Dima El-Horr and produced by Thierry Lenourvel. 'When I Saw You' by AnneMarie Jacir from Palestine won the $10,000 Bahrain Film Pfoduction Co. award for projects in development. 'Death For Sale' by Morroccan director Faouzi Bensaidi, on the 6,000 Euro prize from ARTE in France. Aside from the DIFF itself, there are numerous other activities all being ably managed by Shivani Pandya, Managing Director. These concurrent events have commanded great interest. The Co-Production Market run by Jane Williams, formerly with Binger Institut of Amsterdam, Hubert Bals Fund and the Rotterdam Cinemart is showing three works in progress including the Sundance FF 2009 Competition film 'Amreeka' by Cherien Dabis plus a list of other films in various stages of development. Working with Julie Bergeron of the Cannes Market Co-Production Market, the Co-Production Market is opening the doors between East and West in a notably winning style made possible to the warm hospitality of the people of Dubai. The Film Market where you can see every film in the festival plus more in a virtual on-demand video market has made its first deal with Alchemy Films picking up the South African feature ' Mr. Bones 2' for the Middle East. 'Mr Bones' producer, Anant Singh, also a favorite son of Los Angeles as well as of South Africa, is in Dubai with the international premiere of the documentary 'More Than Just a Game'. The Dubai Film Market, run by Zaid Yaghi is built on the model of IDFA's documentary market run by Fred De Haas who also manages the Documentary Market at IDFA. Tom Davia, Head of Programme Administration and Film Services also works with the Miami Film Festival. Other attendees here inlcude Thierry Lenouvel whose film 'Rachel' will be in the Berlinale 2009, Filmmaker Magazine and Forensic Films' Scott Maccaulay, Nadia Saah of New York, whose new company Boomgen Studios creates content and, most importantly, creates niche marketing and distribution for films with Middle Eastern content, Iran's M. Mehdi Yadegan of IRIM Media Trade, the largest TV station in the Middle East, producer Caroline Benjo of Haut et Court, international sales agents Pascal Diot of Onoma Films and Wouter Barendrecht of Fortissimo, Raphael Berdugo of Roissy, who is also a producer of 'Caramel', a Lebanese film which was in the Festival de Cannes and has been a great box office success in Lebanon. And, of course, FilmFinders is here seeing what new developments in the Middle East are being created in this time of great change in our film industry.
- 12/27/2008
- Sydney's Buzz
Complete Dubai fest coverage
Dubai -- As the Dubai International Film Festival headed to the finish line Wednesday, organizers and participants were exhausted but enthused after a week of screenings, meetings, feasting and, yes, deals.
Begun Dec. 11 at the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex and in cinemas around the city of 4 million on the Arabian Gulf, the fifth edition of the festival carried the motto "Bridging Cultures, Meeting Minds."
Festival director Abdulhamid Juma and Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali, dressed in elegant white robes, oversaw attention to every detail for a diverse global guest list that included everyone from veteran Hollywood stars like Danny Glover and Nicolas Cage to up-and-coming filmmakers from the world over.
The Dubai Film Connection, organized by Jane Williams, honored six of 21 Arab filmmaker finalists, including several Diff returnees. Awards totaling $118,225 were granted to help finish their next works. As the rest of the world struggles to find film financing,...
Dubai -- As the Dubai International Film Festival headed to the finish line Wednesday, organizers and participants were exhausted but enthused after a week of screenings, meetings, feasting and, yes, deals.
Begun Dec. 11 at the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex and in cinemas around the city of 4 million on the Arabian Gulf, the fifth edition of the festival carried the motto "Bridging Cultures, Meeting Minds."
Festival director Abdulhamid Juma and Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali, dressed in elegant white robes, oversaw attention to every detail for a diverse global guest list that included everyone from veteran Hollywood stars like Danny Glover and Nicolas Cage to up-and-coming filmmakers from the world over.
The Dubai Film Connection, organized by Jane Williams, honored six of 21 Arab filmmaker finalists, including several Diff returnees. Awards totaling $118,225 were granted to help finish their next works. As the rest of the world struggles to find film financing,...
- 12/17/2008
- by By Liza Foreman and Jonathan Landreth
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.