Getting down to brass tacks

From electrical engineering to basic carpentry, enthusiastic MEIFF volunteer Musallam Al Hemyari proves it's good to have it all if you want to get ahead.

On an average Monday morning, the 23-year-old Emirati from Abu Dhabi would have his head in his books, studying for his degree in electrical engineering at the American University of Sharjah.

Hard work

But with a well-timed Eid break, this week Al Hemyari has found himself building easels, lugging boxes from one place to another and even adding touches to signboards.

He said: "I am really enjoying being able to help out with the festival. I have been a volunteer at the Dubai International Film Festival [DIFF] for a few years now and it's been interesting to see the similarities and differences.

"Working the red carpet was the most fun at DIFF and I hope I get the chance to have a go here too. But it has also been great to see just how much work goes into preparing a festival of this size. It's really incredible.

"I would ideally like to work in many different departments this week so I can learn as much as possible.

"I believe that learning about people and how to behave and communicate in as many situations as possible is the key to life. I am keen to learn and want to help out wherever I am required."

We caught up with him while he was furiously putting together more than 50 easels which are now placed around the hotel giving visitors, film buffs, directors, competitors and the press information and directions to all festival events.

Sporting a red armband, indicating he is an MEIFF volunteer, he looked at home among other volunteers, many of whom are now new friends.

"I think this festival will become the biggest in the region eventually and the line-up is amazing. I haven't thought about if I will get to see any films because we have been quite busy but I hope I will be able to catch at least one or two. My favourite film is Lord of the Rings and nothing will ever rival it in my mind."