Keeping it reel ...

After a glamorous first day and night, the excitement just keeps building at MEIFF. The day begins with a keynote address by Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, at 9am in the Palace Ballroom — something we are all very excited about.

With some of the most successful films of all time, Harvey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the event and his insight will be welcome for the first annual Film Financing Circle. We are honoured to have him on board. Following the keynote there will be a series of panels and presentations on the subject of film financing on production.

But what about on the big screen? Films begin with a series of Middle East Shorts in the Ballroom Theatre, with Audience Award Winner Owl and the Sparrow showing at 2pm in the Emirates Palace Auditorium (EP1). Cannes winner Persepolis plays afterwards, followed by Grace is Gone, starring John Cusack.

This is a great first day of screenings and I would advise people to get online early and reserve their complimentary tickets.

There is a combination of regional and international cinema, films with critical acclaim and crowd-pleasers. So don't miss it.