Abu Dhabi's film festival starts today!

Having worked on film festivals around the world for the past 15 years, the newly appointed festival director for the inaugural Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF), Jon Fitzgerald, talks of the path to success in the UAE.

Considered a major coup, MEIFF executive director Nashwa Al Ruwaini said she was thrilled to have secured festival veteran Fitzgerald to assume the role for the first regional film festival.

Over the past 15 years, Fitzgerald has guided the launch of a number of successful events including Slamdance, Bahamas, Gasparilla and the Golden Star Shorts Fest. He has also helped to elevate many other existing film events, such as the AFI, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach and San Diego fests.

tabloid! spoke to Fitzgerald before the launch of the festival.
Over the past 15 years you have worked on many film festivals.

How many have you worked on and in what positions?

I have worked on over 30 festivals, either as co-founder, director or consultant.

How is MEIFF shaping up and how does it compare to other events you have been involved with?

We truly have an all-star team from all over the world, from hospitality and production, to special events and programming. And we are very proud of our line up, which is one of the best I've ever seen — certainly the best for a first time festival.

What do you think of the venue and Abu Dhabi as a location?
The Emirates Palace is an incredible venue for a festival, quite a treat for any visiting filmmaker or guest. Talk about luxury! With a state-of-the-art theatre and ballroom spaces for the conference, beachfront exteriors for receptions, it's an easy pitch to filmmakers.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as festival director?

The biggest challenge here has been the time frame. Producing world-class festivals generally happens in yearly cycles, and that is for festivals with a system, returning staff members and a routine in place. I landed here in July so we really hit the ground running. And there is a learning curve for doing a festival in any community.

Your career has taken you all over the world — what is the most exciting project you have ever worked on?

Each event has had its share of excitement. I helped put together the Bahamas International Film Festival, which we did at the Atlantis resort. That was a lot of fun. I also enjoyed my time at Karlovy Vary just outside of Prague.

Even though it was in my own backyard at the AFI in Hollywood, it was pretty special to present the US premiere of Life Is Beautiful to a packed house at the Mann's Chinese Theatre.

You must have met many stars along the way. What is your most memorable meeting and why?

I have done tributes for Jessica Lange and Donald Sutherland, worked with Joe Pesci, Peter Berg and Michael Caine and introduced Penelope Cruz and Rachel Weisz. I presented films by Steven Soderbergh, who has since joined my board. He's a terrific person, and amazing Oscar-winning filmmaker. I don't think I get star-struck any more having been in the business so long, but it's fun to meet and work with talented artists.

Does MEIFF boast anything totally unique which you have not seen at other festivals?

Aside from a venue that is second to none, we are producing a Film Financing Conference, which will be a unique combination of panel discussions, mentor sessions and presentations. A great opportunity for the exchange of ideas and the financial landscape for motion pictures.

We have also developed a pitch programme, where we surround six finalists with a team of mentors to hone their pitch, to be presented to a distinguished jury. The winner will earn a development grant in support of their project.

What are you looking forward to most from the festival?

Since this is a new event for the community, and foreign films are not common, I look forward to giving regional audiences the opportunity to experience the best of international cinema, with two of the best films of the year as gala openers, with Atonement and In the Valley of Elah, two Oscar contenders.

What film or event should people not miss?

The Opening Night Gala will be one of the biggest and most exciting in the history of film festivals. We have the talented Otis Salid, who has done Academy Awards, the Olympics and many others, creating an amazing production number to kick off the evening, with film premiere, beachfront reception, fireworks and many other surprises to follow.

What is your favourite film of all time and why?

I know this is not an original answer, but it's Citizen Kane. Orson Welles was a true maverick and what he did with this film, his direction, the innovative camera angles and transitions, the storytelling and flashbacks, the performances — this film had a profound effect on me. I still learn every time I see it.

Do you have a family and how difficult is it to juggle work and home life?

I am married and have a five-year-old daughter. It's been tough being here without them for so long, but it's the path I've chosen and they understand.

What is the key to a good festival?

Great programming, amazing hospitality and exciting special events all held together by a good team.

Why should the people of the UAE and region come to MEIFF?

This will be a truly exciting experience for the local community. They will see great films, experience other cultures through cinema and have an opportunity to mingle with filmmakers and visiting industry professionals.

And for aspiring filmmakers, whether they hear nuggets from filmmakers or attend the Film Financing Conference, there are many opportunities to learn and explore future possibilities.

Screenings

Today's calendar

What: Middle East International Film Festival Opening Night
Where: Emirates Palace
Highlight: Special Presentation by Award-winning Director and Choreographer Otis Sallid

Gala Movie Presentation: Atonement

Rarely has a book sprung so vividly to life, but also worked so enthrallingly in pure movie terms, as with Atonement, Brit helmer Joe Wright's smart, dazzlingly upholstered adaptation of Ian McEwan's celebrated 2001 novel. The period yarn, largely set in 1930s and ‘40s England, about an adolescent outburst of spite that destroys two lives and crumples a third, preserves much of the tome's metaphysical depth and all of its emotional power. And as in Wright's Pride & Prejudice, Keira Knightley — echoed by co-thesp James McAvoy — proves every bit as magnetic as the divas of those classic melodramas the pic consciously references.

Post-Movie Celebration

The night has only just begun with the spectacular opening fete on the Palace Terrace. Soak in the stars and enjoy delectable treats as you relax in the authentic Bedouin lounge. Dance the night away to two-time Grammy nominee and underground darling Carmen Rizzo on the Terrace lawn.

Keeping it reel...

Festival director Jon Fitzgerald has his say and advises what not to miss today and gives a view from the inside out.

With more than 15 years of film festival experience, the former American Film Institute (AFI) festival director certainly knows his stuff when it comes to the big screen and all that goes with it.

Jon said: "A word of advice — don't miss the first Middle Eastern International Film Festival — because you will regret it.

"We are so excited to be kicking off the festival in high style, with an amazing series of events at the Emirates Palace. Expect all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood as celebrities and invited guests walk the red carpet, en route to the glorious auditorium tonight for the opening gala.

"As the lights dim, the audience will experience an original stage number, choreographed by world-renowned artist Otis Sallid, followed by the regional premiere of Atonement.

"After the film, guests will be led to a beachfront reception on the Palace Terrace, where they will experience more music, refreshments and a fireworks show. Other surprises await the guests on what is sure to be a night to remember.

Now you can see why it shouldn't be missed by anyone. The gala opening is just a taste of things to come in what promises to be an impressive first film festival for the people of the Middle East. Everyone is welcome."