The line-up for Dubai International Film Festival’s Muhr Gulf Shorts, a category of short films from the Gulf region, has been announced. The films will show at the 13th edition of Diff, taking place between December 7-14 at Madinat Jumeirah.
The Waiting Room, by Qatari director Hend Fakhroo, follows two families from different cultures sharing a hospital room.
The Republic of T.M., by Danish-Iraqi director Masar Joudi Ajil Sohail, explores the intense thoughts of an anguished young man that alienate him from his community.
Arabian Swan, by Saudi director Fahad Al Joudi, tells the tale of Noor, a girl from a conservative family whose love for dance puts her life at risk.
A Special Guest, by Kurdish director Kae Bahar, follows a 10-year-old boy who is haunted by memories of war as he adjusts to lie with a couple who looks after him.
Abraham, by Iraqi director Ali Kareem Obaid, follows a Christian family who are forced to pay taxes for non-Muslim citizens in regions occupied by Daesh.
A Town Called Theocracy, by Saudi director Jehad Al Khateeb, follow the story of Leo, a projectionist who is dealing with the dying world of cinema, framed by the limitations of living under a theocratic regime.
Smicha, from Qatari director Amal Al Muftah, tells the story of a grandfather diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and the strain this puts on his relationship with his granddaughter.
The Rooster, by Bahraini filmmaker Salman Yusuf, follows Salem, the owner of a prize rooster, who’s eager to beat every contender in the contentious blood sport.
“This year DIFF has been overwhelmed with thousands of exceptional entrants submitting creative and diverse films into the Muhr Gulf Short competition. This niche category has an Arab soul and fosters the growth of both budding talent and the film production industry here in the Middle East,” said Diff artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali.
Media, students and industry professionals may now register for the 13th edition of Diff online, through diff.ae.
