Dubai-based director Soniya Kirpalani's award-winning documentary film DoBuy: The Fabric of Faith will be screened Tuesday night at a special event to encourage entrepreneurs in the country. The film, which won the Best Documentary at the Gulf Film Festival earlier this year, follows three fashion entrepreneurs in the UAE through their struggles in creating a brand for themselves.
Kirpalani, who is about to release the film internationally, speaks to tabloid! about her inspiration for the film, her future projects and what she thinks of the UAE as a place for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs.
Why did you pick fashion as the theme?
I am a lover of fashion. Besides that, my quest was fuelled by a simple question: How many brands do we have in the UAE? Approximately 40 per cent of the world's labels have found a niche for themselves in Dubai. But between the brands and the bling, there were no local labels visible in this mall-a-minute country. Asking around, I realised that though there is a huge design fraternity, they were refused spaces in malls — sidelined by international brands. So I wanted to ask why the local brands were not emerging.
What was it about these women that struck you the most?
I was awestruck by their simple commitment and steely strength. It was three young women — two Emirati women and one Indian expatriate who have this unbelievable dream of affecting change, of building the first local labels. Watching them, I understood the enormity of their challenges.
Was it difficult for you as a woman director to sell your script and find a producer?
It was impossible. Even though I had earned a big co-production award, no one wanted to trust a new film director. So I decided to co-produce it myself with the help of Adel Dagher and the An Artist Within fund.
What's next for you?
I live in my next project. Recently, we participated at the Asian American Film Festival New York; I received a nomination for my new documentary to be launched later this year, called Love Arranged: A Work in Progress.
I am also working on an already controversial film called Not Required Indian that asks questions about the mandate of the Indian Embassy in the UAE and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in representing the average Indian migrant worker in the region.
Don't miss it
DoBuy: The Fabric of Faith will be screened Tuesday night at 6pm at The Shelter, Al Quoz, Dubai. The screening, organised by the British Council, will be followed by a panel discussion about opportunities for entrepreneurs in creative industries in the region. Entry is free. Call 04-4345655 for more information.
