Entertainment | Celebrity
Goats and glamour
While the usual procession of well-heeled stars graced the red carpet, this time there was also something a little different and totally unexpected — like four goats
- By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 October 19, 2009
- Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News
- Naomi Watts and Orlando Bloom at the award ceremony
For a split second, four goats — reluctant guests at the closing night of the Middle East International Film Festival — posed a serious threat of grabbing the spotlight from the glamorous set that descended upon Abu Dhabi. But staring at goats — a humorous strategy devised by MEIFF for the screening of George Clooney's The Men Who Stare At Goats to offset Clooney's absence — was not as engaging as staring at dozens of talented posh people. The red carpet was rolled out for the likes of Orlando Bloom, Eva Mendes, Naomi Watts and Maggie Q. Arabic stars including Khalid Abol Naga, Rashed Assaf and Maya Nasri boosted the glamour quotient.
The triple P method — pout, pose and pay homage to Abu Dhabi — was the celebrity credo of the evening. Of course, Pirates Of The Caribbean star Orlando Bloom was an exception and dove straight into the Abu Dhabi topic.
The evening came to a close with the screening of Grant Heslov's paranormal comedy The Men Who Stare At Goats and an outdoor party at the terrace.
As many as 128 movies from across the globe were screened at this year's MEIFF.
Stars and their style
Almost all the big stars relied on their favourite tried-and-tested designers to pull off the glamour goddess look. Take for instance... Eva Mendes and Demi Moore on the MEIFF'S red-carpet events Both chose J. Mendel to achieve their fashion brilliance. In sharp contrast, Moore chose a strapless black crepe column gown on the opening night, while Mendes chose a one-shouldered white gown for the closing event.
Environmental champion
Plastic Planet director Werner Boote said on the red carpet he was contemplating making an environment film in the UAE. He has already met with many officials to discuss how to improve the eco-awareness in the region.
"It will be challenging to make an environment film here.
"I have been to the supermarkets already and I noticed so many plastic bags were being given at the cash counter," says Boote.
Party time!
Who said that a film festival is solely about films? The after-party at the closing night of the Middle East International Film Festival saw participating filmmakers and stars party the night away. Changing into a summery cream dress, Eva Mendes lived it up lounging in the VIP area. Just before midnight, Asian star Maggie Q also joined the party circuit.
Mendes moment
Looking stunning in a white one-shouldered J. Mendel gown coupled with Cartier jewels, Mendes played up to the press gallery with panache.
In a buoyant mood, she said her first experience at the Middle East International Film Festival was an intensely "personal experience".
"The festival is special to me because it has brought me to this side of the world. It is exciting and it helps in my personal growth. It has made me venture out and come to a part of the world that I have never been to," said Mendes. Her sole regret is that she was not able to get some sightseeing done.
"But I am looking forward to coming back and getting to know more about the culture. I just arrived and I am busy shooting a movie with Will Ferrell in New York. It's really funny and it's coming out this summer — I mean the coming summer," says Mendes. She was also floored by the UAE's pleasant weather.
"The nights are so beautiful here. I love the balmy nights — it's so beautiful and perfect. Actually, I am of Cuban descent — raised in Miami, so the heat doesn't really get to me. Everybody warned me about the heat, but I am really enjoying myself."
Almost all the big stars relied on their favourite tried-and-tested designers to pull off the glamour goddess look.
Take for instance... Eva Mendes and Demi Moore on the MEIFF'S red-carpet events. Both chose J. Mendel to achieve their fashion brilliance. In sharp contrast, Moore chose a strapless black crepe column gown on the opening night, while Mendes chose a one-shouldered white gown for the closing event.
Blooming in Abu Dhabi
Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom who flew in from Los Angeles on Saturday morning had even managed to squeeze in a few business meetings.
"I was actually speaking to a few people earlier this evening about making something here. I have a production company and this place seems right for what I hope to do," says Bloom. Though he hasn't been able to catch any movies, he says the MEIFF roster was filled with a great mix of films from east and west. But he promised to rectify the situation on his next trip.
"I love Abu Dhabi and I hope to come again some time soon," said Bloom.
Turning up the watts
Naomi Watts, both an Oscar-nominated actress and a mother of two, said she enjoyed her visit to the UAE but she was looking forward to returning home to be with her children.
"Now I have to rush back. To be with my children. Film festivals are a great way to bring people together. It's good to know that people from different cultures are celebrating the art form of cinema."
Unfortunately, she hasn't had time to meet local filmmakers.
"I have seen the booklet [MEIFF catalogue] and there is a good mix of interesting movies," says Watts.
Naomi Watts — an ace at multi-tasking?
It's believed that working mothers have an in-built multi-tasking mechanism. Naomi Watts, the actress and doting mother of two, is a walking testament to this. Earlier in the evening, Watts wore a purple and black Dolce & Gabbana dress which she paired with some dazzling Chopard jewels. Half-an-hour later, she was in a different outfit while presenting an award at the Black Pearl Awards ceremony. Clad in an ethereal floral creation, Watts presented a softer version than the red-carpet look.
It's believed Watts checked out some designs by local designers but finally she relied on Dolce & Gabbana for the supreme fashionista look.
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