The cameras are rolling on DIFF 2006

Officials and volunteers were overwhelmed as people of all nationalities flooded the Madinat Arena for the opening day of DIFF 2006.

Members of the press, photographers, industry gurus, film enthusiasts, crew, organisers, and not forgetting the stars, flitted from pillar to post to get registered and make the opening press conferences and screenings in time.

More than 100 volunteers in bright blue and orange t-shirts helped the day run as smoothly as possible while behind-the-scenes staff worked tirelessly to set up workshops, organise the red carpet run, arrange lighting and set up media lounges.

Jeradon Swan, 18, greeted many guests with a warming smile as they entered the double doors at the arena.
A fountain of information about when and where individuals should be, she shipped various people to and from the different sections of the venue with an air of calm and grace.

She said: “This has to be the best diet ever! My feet are killing me but I just haven't stopped all day.

“You keep going and literally don't find time to eat — I hope to lose at least a stone by the end of the week!

“The job is so much fun. I love helping people and I am getting to meet some of the most interested faces I could ever have imagined. The buzz and atmosphere here is amazing and I'm so pleased to be a part of it.

“It is running very smoothly and we are all working well as one big team.''

The atmosphere was electric as funky music pumped along the red carpet route all the way to a nearby press conference which clearly exuded a distinctive buzz.

The crowds parted to reveal journalists, photographers and industry enthusiasts taking their seats for a press conference for one of the festival's most awaited films — Bobby.

And with Lawrence Fishburne and the up-and-coming Joshua Jackson on stage, it's no wonder there was a need to get the good seats!

Journalists from across the globe queued to pick up a press pack, programme and complimentary DIFF bag, along with a pass which entitles them to many of the press conferences and screenings.

One journalist from the Qatar stood talking to her editor explaining the endless possibilities for the paper this week.
Jerrad Manning was a guest at one of the star's events but was not willing to say which one. He said: “I stood in the industry lounge and just closed my eyes for a moment. Talk of trailers, subtitles, lights, cameras and celebrity security was enough to make me realise just how exciting this event actually is.

“It's wonderful. Most people are smiling and even those who are trying to are only not smiling because they rushing around trying to make something important happen. It's wonderful, and I am so pleased, I am a part of it all.''
The Dubai International Film Festival is bringing 110 films from more than 40 different countries to the UAE.
The exciting programme features dramas, comedies, thrillers, romances, documentaries and animated adventures.

DIFF is an event which incorporates the entire city from local artists to businesses — a feeling which was certainly apparent at the launch.