Entertainment | Film & Cinema
People happy with political films
The selection of films at this year's Dubai International Film Festival "has improved a lot" compared to the inaugural event, according to filmgoers.
- By Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:31 May 3, 2009
The selection of films at this year's Dubai International Film Festival "has improved a lot" compared to the inaugural event, according to filmgoers.
Attendees say they are impressed that more "political" features are being shown in 2005 although some have said the range of films could be improved further.
Ian Macdonald, 35, a doctor from Scotland, said he was keen to see Election and 2046 from the festival line up.
He added: "There are more films this year and the films are asking more questions than last year. It's more political, which is a good thing."
"Also, I think it's good that they are trying to create an atmosphere of film making in Dubai. They have created Studio City and there is a lot going on in the background to ensure that the film industry takes off."
Sceptical about success
"People might be sceptical about how successful a film festival in Dubai can become, but they were sceptical when people first built shopping malls in Dubai and they worked."
"If the people running it are passionate enough, I am sure the festival will become very big worldwide," he said.
Hospitality industry worker Abbey Morris, 29, from England, said the films chosen were "quite interesting".
"There is a good mix of local Arabic films and big international blockbusters - there are more really huge films than last year."
"The festival has quite wide appeal with the public, but I know a few people in the film industry and I'm not sure how seriously they take the festival yet," she said.
Indian electronics industry salesman Deepak Mehta, 38, said he was glad to see several movies from the subcontinent in the schedule.
"I think if they can get the big Indian directors out here, that will be a great thing. I don't think there will ever be lots of big American or European stars here, but if they concentrate on the subcontinent then the festival will be very successful in later years. They have done well in only two years," he said.
Filipino musician Ian Navo, 27, said he was disappointed that there were no movies from his home country listed.
"Last year we had a film called Milan but this year there is nothing. There are so many Filipinos in Dubai and they could have shown at least one film for us," he said.
Other comments
Elsewhere in the city, residents were happy to have a film festival right at their doorstep.
"I like watching non-commercial films. This festival gives me a chance to do just that," said Indian teacher Ritu J.
"I wish bigger Indian stars had come this time. It would have been great to watch a Shah Rukh Khan film with Shah Rukh sitting in the audience," said Malini, an Indian teenager.
J. A., a Filipino accountant, is yet to get his driving licence. "I wish films were being shown all over the city, except focussing on Jumeirah and beyond," he said.
"Cabs cost so much that I can't really see as many films as I'd like to. In any case, there are no films from my country."
S. Ali, a Pakistani salesman, was happy stars from his home country were attending the festival. "It's great to see their pictures in newspapers next to filmstars from all over the world," he said.
"Pakistani films are often ignored but our film industry is growing and our stars deserve fame internationally."
A selection of review will be printed in Tabloid. write2tabloid@gulfnews.com |
Share this article
Related Articles
More from Film & Cinema
Covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle daily
Popular in Film & Cinema
Entertainment Editor's choice
-
Katrina and Ranbir share dating secrets
Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor share their dating secrets
-
Brazilian supermodel Gisele can fly!
Brazilian supermodel completes first part of her helicopter flying exams
-
Adam Lambert's glam jam
Adam Lambert brings androgyny back on the title track from his album, For Your Entertainment
-
Arts & Entertainment
Bollywood Celebwatch
What have Bollywood's brightest been up to?
