UAE | Leisure
Film festival unveils lineup with Arabic flavour
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has announced its line-up of movies by and about people of Arab origin.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:35 November 20, 2008
- A scene from the film 'A Fiance for Yasmina'. The light-hearted movie will be featured in the 'Arabian Nights' segment during Dubai International Film Festival.
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
Dubai: The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has announced its line-up of movies by and about people of Arab origin.
This includes the Arabian Nights segment that features documentaries, thrillers and love stories from the Middle East and Europe.
Antonia Carver, Arab Programme Consultant, said: "This is the most diverse year for programming in the Arabian Nights segment. We have two thrillers - one involving supernatural forces - some poignant documentaries, powerful love stories, and two comedic films to round out the segment."
"The aim of Arabian Nights is to reflect the dreams, imagination, ideas and aspirations of the Arab world, both defined geographically and as a people scattered around the globe. We are also honoured that a number of Arab cinema luminaries will be with us throughout the festival," she added.
'Al Mor Wa Al Rumman' ('Pomegranates and Myrrh') will be shown as its world premiere and the first feature by Palestinian director Najwa Najjar. Set in Ramallah it follows the story of free-spirited dancer Kamar. Also debuting is Vietato Sognare (Forbidden Childhood) dealing with the impact of conflict on youth growing up in Palestine.
'Ein Shams' ('Eye of the Sun') follows an 11-year-old who wishes to go to the mysterious Cairo district of Ein Shams. Former General Secretary of the United Nations, Boutros Boutros Ghali, stars.
Another youngster features in Karim Dridi's film 'Khamsa', following the life of Khamsa who returns to his Roma village in France after escaping from his foster home, and then drifts into a life of petty crime. Non-professional actors star in this feature.
Light-hearted films
Two light-hearted films are also set to feature in the Arabian Nights segment - 'Un Novio Para Yasmina' ('A Fiance for Yasmina') that follows a group of friends in an immigrants' centre in Spain and is described as 'Lost in Translation' in Beirut; while 'Une Chanson Dans La Tete' ('Melodrama Habibi') showcases a Lebanese pop star at a Paris hotel.
DIFF is also set to play host to the 'Cinema Against Aids' fundraising event.
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