Independent films will hit the big screen more regularly in Dubai starting April 20. Dubai International Film Festival is launching a year-round screening theatre called DIFF 365@VOX at Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates.
The theatre will play less commercial films that would not traditionally be found in cinemas around the UAE. The aim is to champion talent outside of big studio productions. Ticket prices will be the same as any other film, and can be bought through the same channels.
I, Daniel Blake by Ken Loach will be the first film to screen, between April 20 and May 4. It was awarded Best British Film at the BAFTAs this year. It follows the story of a middle-aged carpenter who suffers a heart attack and finds himself in need of state welfare.
From May 4 to May 17, Mukhti Bhawan (Hotel Salvation) — an Indian comedy-drama — will show, followed by double Oscar nominee A Man Called Ove; the latter, a moving Swedish comedy by Hannes Holm, will screen from May 18 until May 31.
Django, directed by Etienne Comar, will follow from June 1 to June 14. It explores the French jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and his troubles in German-occupied Paris. It opened the 67th Berlin International Film Festival.
Irish-Canadian romantic drama Maudie by Aisling Walsh, starring Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke, will follow from June 15 to June 28. Further films will be announced throughout the year.
“It has always been part of our mission to bring the festival to our dedicated DIFF film fans all year round and thanks to the support of VOX Cinemas and du we are now in a position to launch DIFF 365@VOX,” said Diff chairman, Abdul Hamid Juma.
“From small-budget independent titles to acclaimed Oscar and Festival masterpieces to the latest in Arab cinema, we look forward to bringing the very best cinema to film lovers in Dubai all year round,” he added.
DIFF 365@VOX SCHEDULE:
I, Daniel Blake: April 20 — May 4
Hotel Salvation: May 4 — May 17
A Man Called Ove: May 18 — May 31
Django: June 1 — June 14
Maudie: June 15 — June 28
