Emirati filmmaker Abdullah Al Ka'abi has ensured that filmmaking in the UAE has turned a corner. Al Ka'abi's offering at the Tribeca Film Festival — a short film titled The Philosopher — bears a stellar star cast in the form of none other than French superstar Jean Reno.
More importantly, however, Al Ka'abi's venture has ensured that the seeds which were first sown by Emirati filmmakers Ali Mustafa and others of his ilk have gone on to bear fruit. Filmmaking amongst Emiratis is a viable option and Mustafa's debut film, The City of Life, garnered rave reviews at the Dubai International Film festival as well as earning an award at the Digital Studio Awards in 2010. Verbal support is coming in for these young trailblazers but in the long run this will not be enough. The authorities need to ensure that these talented youth do not face hurdles in the form of financing and other tangible support that can thwart the realisation of their goals.
