Abu Dhabi: Hollywood stars joined their Arab counterparts on the red carpet at the Emirates Palace Hotel's auditorium yesterday, the glamorous signal that the fourth annual Abu Dhabi Film Festival (Adff) has begun once again.
The 10-day annual event will feature over 172 films from 43 countries, of which 32 are world premieres, and began with a gala screening of the US horseracing film Secretariat.
"A film festival is just another word for sleep deprivation. But we are very excited about this year's event," Peter Scarlett, Adff Festival Director, told Gulf News ahead of the screening.
In addition to its roster of film screenings, the festival also features a programme of free and open-to-the-public discussions with celebrities and filmmakers including Adrien Brody, Khaled Abol Naga, Lebleba, Julianne Moore, Uma Thurman, Yehia El Fakharany and Yosra.
In the text of his keynote speech, released to the press ahead of the gala, Mohammad Khalaf Al Mazroui, Advisor for Culture and Heritage at the Court of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, which organises the festival, invited the public to play an active role in the festival.
"This festival acts as a kind of laboratory where the younger generation can exchange experiences, and learn from both new and established filmmakers. This up-and-coming generation want to leave their mark on the history of the motion picture. We invite you to view their works, to critically appraise them and encourage their talents," he said.
What: Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2010
When: October 14 - 23, 2010
Where: Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi Theatre and Marina Mall
Tickets and information: www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae
Will you be attending any of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival events? Which movies are you looking forward to watching? Tell us at readers@gulfnews.com
