A royal entry

DIFF received the royal touch as Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain graced the red carpet for a gala screening of All the Invisible Children.

Princess Haya, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, posed elegantly for photographers and camera crews from around the world at the Madinat Theatre on Tuesday night.

In a classic yellow gown, Princess Haya was welcomed to the theatre as other guests, including renowned film producers Chiara Tilesi and Stefano Veneruso made their entrance. The film which also screened at the Mall of the Emirates Cinestar on Monday, tracks the desperate plight of seven poverty-stricken children through the eyes of everyday people.

Staff from the festival, along with members of the Madinat crew, worked tirelessly to ensure everything was in place before the Princess's arrival. Organisers explained she had expressed a wish to attend the gala screening as the film is heavily endorsed by UNICEF — a charity also supported by Princess Haya.

All the Invisible Children is the brainchild of Chiara Tilesi who partnered with Stefano Veneruso to form MK Film Productions in order to develop and realise the project. Children from various schools, including the special needs institutions across the city, were also invited to the screening and organisers said they all had a wonderful time.

With excitement and anticipation clearly building outside the theatre, people queued to catch a glimpse of Princess Haya along with the other stars, producers and directors. Tickets for the event were already being sold on a standby basis which meant the film was viewed by a capacity crowd.

Speaking before the screening, DIFF CEO and festival director Neil Stephenson said the entire 10-day event had received a huge boost thanks to the interest and support from Princess Haya. He said: “Support from the Royals is always welcomed. It is people with influence who help promote the festival and of course the films, encouraging others to come along. “We are very proud to have the princess in our theatre and hope she enjoys the film.''

Film crews from more than 50 networks battled it out for a place at the front of the red carpet run to get a quick snap of Princess Haya and stars. Reporters busied themselves grabbing quotes and information from organisers and the stars, while lucky ticket holders went to take their seats.

After the screening Stephenson said the entire audience was stunned and moved by the film. He said: “It touched everyone. It's a wonderful film and we are so pleased at the great feedback we have received so far.''

Caption: Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain. Princess Haya attended the gala screening of All The Invisible Children, a film endorsed by UNICEF, a charity supported by her.