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Emerging Emiratis
The prosperity witnessed by the country to establish a new national image, are among many positive factors that herald the emergence of a distinguished Emirati cinema.
- Mohammed Rouda
- Published: 23:35 May 3, 2009
- Sara's Secrets, A film by Juma Al Sahli, in competition at DIFF at the Emerging Emiratis category.
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The prosperity witnessed by the country and the development of its human resources, to establish a new national image, are among many positive factors that herald the emergence of a distinguished Emirati cinema.
The UAE national, who finds himself in a unique position with many social topics about his daily life and the problems that he may face throughout his lifetime, will definitely prompt himself to produce short, medium and long films.
These films will either be made in form of documentaries or feature movies. Some others believe in animation cinema.
Why not, if possible?
Six UAE movies are being screened at the Emerging Emiratis Section. These films differ from each other in terms of the method, topic and the way of direction. Two films compete to win the Best Scenario Competition and two other compete for the Best Short Film title.
Grave Consequences
This raises a question: Can we take this as indication of progressive cinema in the UAE? Of course we can, since the chosen and various topics discussed through these films reflect the wish of filmmakers to make unique films.
For instance, UAE director Jasim Mohammed Al Salty, in his movie Al Hellah recalled his memories with grandmother, while Naila Al Khaja, a UAE filmmaker, in her movie Arabana (Wheelbarrow) sent a message to mothers warning them of the grave consequences of leaving their children unsupervised.
In his film, UAE director Waleed Al Shehhi focused on a key character called Ahmad Sulaiman whose disability did not stand in his way. In his movie Mirrors of Silence Nawaf Al Janahi, a UAE filmmaker, showed the key character as a very honest person who lived his life in a simple way that reflects his loneliness and personal concerns.
In its third edition, the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has taken a centre stage of local filmmakers who wish to achieve their local ambitions, and then aim to become internationally acclaimed. It has been noticed that the local audience applauds and welcomes these films with a patriotic spirit and a keen desire to know whether the UAE cinema will succeed.
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