Diff 2015: ‘The Peanuts Movie’ brings out young fans

Every night on Dubai International Film Festival’s (Diff’s) red carpet, Hollywood and Arab stars shine as they promote their films and attend gala screenings. On Friday though, there were no celebrities, only young fans excited to meet their favourite characters from The Peanuts Movie.

Part of the festival’s popular Cinema for Children programme, it was the kids that got the chance to walk in the stars’ shoes as cameras and flashing lights followed them on the red carpet. “I think it [the programme] is very relevant, especially getting movies from different genres and languages, because, ultimately, we speak different languages, but we have the same emotions, traumas and problems all over the world, so it is, in a way, bringing the world together,” said one parent.

The Peanuts Movie is one of the most anticipated films this year, bringing back Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang back together. In this film, Charlie Brown embarks on a life-changing journey while Snoopy faces his nemesis, the Red Baron.

Jida, a fan of the comic book series, said that her favourite character is Snoopy because she likes how funny and cute he is. “I am very excited to watch him in the film,” said Kavia, another fan.

“I think it is a great movie, anything to do with Charlie Brown we love and I grew up with it so I am really keen for the girls to grow up with it. My favourite character is Lucy I just love [how] quirky and cute [she is],” a parent said.

Other Cinema for Children films to be screened include Valley of Knights, Mira’s Magical Christmas, Rainbow, Savva. Heart of the Warrior and Birds of Passage.

Diff runs until December 16. For schedules and tickets, go to dubaifilmfest.com.

— Farah Ahmed is an intern at Gulf News.