Shining in the night

Stretch limousines drove up to the entrance of DIFF for the Arabian Nights gala, the second evening of gala screenings.

Although there were a few drops of rain in the sky spirits were still high as stars from across Arabia arrived for the world premiere of Egyptian director Khaled Youssef's Justified Cheating (Khiyana Shariah), an intriguing thriller which follows a man's journey to redeem his father's inheritance.

One of the first to stroll down the glamorous red carpet was Egyptian actress Laila Elwy, followed by the well-known presenter from the Rotana channel, Hala Sarhan, decked out in a black gown and maroon shawl.

Other stars present included actress Mervat Amin, and her sole director, Inas Al Deghedy, dressed in exquisite black dresses and shawls. Escorting them were actors Omar Arafa and Wahid Hamed.

Also present, wearing a glamorous grey dress, was the female director Yusra, who recently directed a remake of the Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez movie Shall We Dance.

As the carpet became more crowded, local talent from the UAE also arrived; Halal Khaleel and Jamal Suleiman brushed shoulders with the other stars such as Egytian comedian Ahmed Bdeir, sharing informal chats and laughs.

When the camera flashes started to grow stronger and people began crowding around, we knew the main stars of the evening had arrived. The director of Justified Cheating, Khaled Youssef, was joined by Hani Salama, who plays the main role in the film.
This is Salama's second year at DIFF — last year he was the guest of honour. "Asian and Arab film has been stagnant for quite some time, but things are starting to take off and I can see a positive future for Arab film," said Salama.

"I am honoured to be showing a film this year. I hope that audiences will enjoy Justified Cheating and that they take to my acting in this thriller, as it takes me away from my usual roles in romantic comedies."