Caramel leaves lasting impression on viewers

Abu Dhabi: More than 1,200 people turned out in force to catch the regional premiere of the official Lebanese entry for the Academy Awards Foreign Language Film.

Making its first appearance on the big screen during the Middle East International Film Festival, Caramel, a warm-hearted comedy has had critics tongues wagging around the world.

A sell-out crowd filled the main auditorium at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi after an electric red carpet line-up.

Caramel director Nadine Labaki looked stunning as she made her way down the runway wearing Elie Sabb - an internationally-renowned Lebanese designer. Joined by her husband Mouzaannar Khalid, who composed the music for the 95-minute film, Nadine said: "At this moment in time I am so wonderfully proud to be Lebanese. There are many bad things happening in my country at this time and it is so nice to be able to bring something positive. We are a great nation with a lot to offer.

Overwhelmed

"I am utterly overwhelmed at the turnout and cannot believe it has sold out here tonight. I am very excited about watching the film in a room full of other people but have to admit to being a little nervous about their response. I will be eagerly waiting for that first laugh.

"It is so exciting to be a part of this and the Middle East International Film Festival has already impressed me and I've only been here two days. Wonderful."

Nadine was joined on the red carpet by her producer, Anne Dominique Toussaint, actresses Joanna Moukarzel and Gisele Aouad and the film distributors Sadek Sabbah and Rania Haddad.

Caramel is a comedy that tells the story of Lebanese women from different generations and religious backgrounds whose lives intersect in a Beirut beauty salon.

The characters, representing a cross-section of contemporary Lebanese society, bustle around the lively salon where they use caramel to wax their legs, emphasising a common bond beyond beauty treatments.