UAE | General
Dollywood Studios opens floor to movie makers
You've heard of Hollywood, Bollywood and Lollywood...now get set for Dollywood, a new film studio launched in Dubai, aimed at making the city an international centre for film production.
- By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 October 7, 2003
 A Pakistani television movie being shot on Deira Creek in Dubai. ©Gulf News |
Dubai is fast becoming an entertainment hub in the region, and this is the latest arrival in the world of film and TV.
Rafiq Nasir, General Manager of Dollywood Studios which has opened at Dubai Media City, said: "Our films will be for the international audience and we are determined to produce both for small and big screen, with artists from various countries including India and Pakistan."
"We have a lot of talented artists living in the UAE who hardly get a chance to prove themselves. But now we are here to realise their dreams of becoming famous," he said.
He has thrown open an invitation to anyone who has the confidence to face camera and perform for international viewers on both small and big screen.
Nasir said Dollywood will be a launch pad for Dubai to enter the international market as a unique film-making hub - because artists from anywhere including Pakistan, India, Europe, the US, would be able to perform for cross-border productions without restrictions.
"Our production cannot be labelled as Indian or Pakistani as ours is a neutral production house open to any artist from anywhere," he said. "We are not competing with the big film producers in other countries, but rather we will have our own identity as an international production house."
He said construction of full-fledged film studios with all equipment and infrastructure for films and television productions will start soon. "We are are committed to making Dubai the hub of film industry."
Dollywood Studios, established by the owner of Channel 2001, Aslam Bhatti, also the first television production house in Dubai catering to the Asian community, launched its first project this month with the shooting of a tele-film Koi Gawa Nahein (No Witness).
The 90-minute film, shot in Dubai, stars Indian television and film artists with leading roles by Vaquarr Sheikkh and Kavita Khushhik. Dubai-based artists Ambreen and Dr Ausaaf will make their debut with Vishal Rajan in supporting role.
Gayathiri, a well-known television director and producer from India, is directing her first film, described as a romantic thriller.
Speaking to Gulf News on the set of the film on a boat docked at Dubai creek, Gayathiri said shooting will be completed in a record 12 days and it will be ready for release within a month or so. She said tele-films and quality serials have a big scope in this region as there is large market with a lot of television channels demanding quality material.
Dollywood Studios, she said, is a bold step and will give a boost to the film and television industry in the region. "With the new trend of cross-border production, Dubai will be an ideal place to work on such projects. The emirate has got everything needed to make a film, from marvellous locations to the best of facilities."
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