Diff 2016: Films you can watch for free at the festival

As is tradition, the 13th edition of Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) will hold free outdoor movie screenings at The Beach, opposite JBR, between December 7 and December 14.

Ahead of each film, they will screen a Unicef short film titled In Their Own Voice: Aspirations Of Syria’s Children Amid Uncertain Future, which sheds light on children who are impacted by the Syrian crisis.

“From classics of days gone by to some of 2016’s most anticipated creations and live performances which will bring the screenings to life, there will be something for everyone at this unique screening location,” said Abdul Hamid Juma, DIFF’s Chairman.

Here are eight titles you can enjoy under the stars this season:

December 7: Burn Your Maps

Comedy-drama Burn Your Maps, starring Vera Farmiga and Jacob Tremblay, follows a young American boy, West, who inexplicably believes he is a Mongolian goat herder born in the wrong place.

December 8: The Red Turtle

The Red Turtle by Michael Dudok de Wit is an enthralling animation that follows a man attempting to escape a deserted island only to be stopped by a giant red turtle. The film won a Special Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival this year.

December 9: Mali Blues

Mali Blues by Lutz Gregor, a soulful documentary, shows the role of music in promoting peace as Fatoumata Diawara prepares for her first performance in her home country Mali in 2015. The showcase will include a live performance by desert blues group Amanar.

December 10: A Fistful of Dollars 

1964 western A Fistful of Dollars stars Clint Eastwood in his first lead role. A sole cowboy bests two rival families for his own good.

December 11: Jeanne d’Arce

Egyptian Jeanne d’Arce by Iman Kamel takes a look at the women of Egypt through dance and poetry. The screening will be followed by a performance by Din Al Edidi, a singer-guitarist from Cairo.

December 12: The Eagle Huntress

Adventure documentary The Eagle Huntress by Otto Bell tells the story of Aishol-pan, a 13-year-old Mongolian girl who goes against patriarchal traditions and trains to become the first female eagle huntress. The film is narrated by Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley.

December 13: Batman: The Movie

1966 superhero film Batman: The Movie, the first full-length theatrical adaptation of the famed DC character, stars Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin.

December 14: The Space Between Us

Romantic sci-fi film The Space Between Us, starring Asa Butterfield and Gary Oldman, follows a boy born on Mars who, at 16 years old, wants to go to Earth and experience all the things he’s only read about the planet.

Don’t miss it

Diff runs from December 7 to 14. For a full schedule, go to Diff.ae.