|
 |
News |
 |
|
| |
Email this article |
 Printer Friendly Version
|
| |
Glamorous start to Gulf Film Festival
|
| |
15 April 2011 |
| |
|
| |
| |
The Gulf Film Festival officially opened to the public on Thursday. The Gulf Film Festival box office is open from 10.30 am to 10 pm daily at the Grand Cinemas Dubai Festival City.
Some of the leading names in Arab and international cinema such as Gerard Courant, Abdulla AlKaabi, Cyrill Deleye, Sultan Al-Hussaini, Nayla Al Khaja, Thabit Al Mawaly walked the red carpet.
Filmmakers, who were interacting with peers throughout the day, put on their best smiles and posed happily as the cameras flashed away at the gala event. Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also graced the occasion.
Barn Af Iraq (Children of Iraq) by director and actor Ala'a Mohsen had its world premiere at the GFF as the opening night gala film. Ala'a Mohsen is the director and actor of the film.
Being held at Dubai Festival City and the InterContinental Hotel, the festival received good feedback on the first day itself, said Shivani Pandya Managing Director, Gulf Film Festival.
"Registration has already crossed 900 and is increasing. There is a good mix of people from the industry. GFF presents content which cannot be found anywhere else. People can see the Middle East through the eyes of the people who have been living here. Some films are also light-hearted, for example there is a film about the Kandora and the different accents in the region and other very creative topics," she said.
She added that people from around the world come to experience the festival and to acquire films to take back to their countries, for television or for the purpose of distribution. Films premiered at previous festivals have gone on to 70 other festivals around the world. This year, 59 films are having their premiere at GFF.
The festival will run till April 20.
For the first time this year, GFF is showcasing International Films, as well. "International submissions have been great. Also, to give international filmmakers an understanding of the region there will be tours to make them more aware," said Shivani.
Industry workshops are a highlight of the festival. These workshops are tailor-made and have been organised keeping in mind the areas that require extra focus. Workshops will be held on topics such as production and distribution and the technical aspects of the art of filmmaking.
The workshop is open to anyone accredited with the festival. Also, students from select universities have been chosen to visit a film set right here in Dubai as part of the event. The festival grooms the region's emerging professional talent by offering them opportunities to learn and a platform to shine.
Gulf Nights is another feature at the event that attracts filmmakers. "Gulf Nights is basically a gathering of filmmakers who discuss films, brainstorms and debate about current cinematic topics," said Shivani. "It has been the most attended session in the past. Animated discussions take place from midnight till the wee hours of the morning." Gulf Nights is scheduled to take place on April 15 and 16.
The Philosopher directed by 24-year-old Emirati filmmaker Abdulla Al Kaabi made its debut at the Dubai International Film Festival and has made its way to GFF, as well. Hollywood star Jean Reno stars as one of the main protagonists in the internationally acclaimed film. Abdulla said: "Jean Reno was a part of the project because he thought the script was good and the energy in the project was great. The experience was amazing and the coverage we received was exceptional."
The film has received 21 nominations and three awards at film festivals around the world.
He said film festivals are a great platform for the small community of filmmakers to meet and update and interact. "The best way to be a filmmaker is to make a short film with any camera, be inspired and watch the craft of the master filmmakers," he added.
Future plans for Abdulla include a long feature film scheduled some time next year to be made in the UAE.
"UAE provides a beautiful backdrop with so many buildings and there is sun all year round, so it's perfect," he said. Also, being in my own country I am more confident with my work."
GFF is showcasing the contemporary work of seasoned and emerging filmmakers from the length and breadth of the Arabian Peninsula and around the world. In all, the Festival will screen 153 films from 31 nations in its official screening programme, including more than 110 from the Gulf nations, Iraq and Yemen.
The Gulf Film Festival box office is open from 10.30 am to 10 pm daily at the Grand Cinemas Dubai Festival City.
|
| |
Source: beta.thehindu.com |
news |
| |
Email this article | Printer Friendly Version |
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
| Current Events |
 |
|
| DubaiGetaway |
 |
|
| Featured Links |
| |
|
|
|
