A group of Academy Award winners and nominees are bringing their latest films, many of them already creating Oscar buzz, to the Dubai International Film Festival's (Diff) Cinema of the World segment this December.
From Javier Bardem, who stars in the Mexican film Biutiful to British director 127 Hours from Danny Boyle, whose eight-Oscar haul with Slumdog Millionaire in 2009 is the stuff cinema dreams are made of, this year's slate, with a focus on Europe, promises adventure, drama and comedy during the event's eight-day run from December 12-19.
Sheila Whitaker, the director of Diff's International Programming, says that while she was spoilt for choice when shopping for films, the idea was to maintain balance.
"You want to make sure you cater to different genres and treat people to movies from different countries while also maintaining a balance in themes, languages and geographies," she says. "It's a really strong programme this year and I'm sure movie lovers will love what we've selected."
Whitaker, who has seen all the films coming under her segment, says many of them — from the big studio multi-starrer The King's Speech to Germany's When We Leave — have "powerful" themes.
While the Colin Firth starrer King's Speech — Diff's opening film on December 12 — is a historical drama based on the life of King George VI who tries to overcome a stammer, When We Leave is about a woman of Turkish descent fighting her family for independence. The film is Germany's official entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 83rd Academy Awards to be held in February next year.
Here's a look at some of Diff's offerings this year for its Cinema of the World segment:
Biutiful
Oscar-nominated Alejandro González Iñárritu, known for critically-acclaimed films such as 21 Grames, Amores Perros and Babel, is back with a drama about a single dad and underworld figure who discovers that time is running out as he struggles to leave something behind for his family. Starring Oscar-winner Javier Bardem, the Spanish film has already won Bardem a Best Actor award at this year's Cannes Film Festival and is Mexico's official entry to next year's Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category.
127 Hours
Multiple Oscar-winner Danny Boyle describes his new film as "an action movie with a guy who can't move". James Franco plays mountain climber Aaron Ralston who was trapped for five days in 2003 when a boulder crushed his arms while hiking. Boyle assembles his award-winning team for this true story about grit, determination and the will to live.
Copacabana
Celebrated French actress Isabelle Huppert stars in this comedy about a mother who discovers that her daughter is ashamed of her, and tries to make amends.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child
Documenting the short life of one of the most interesting figures in the development of art, this film by Tamra Davis is a tribute to the artist and the phenomenon that was Jean-Michel Basquiat. One of the first artists of African descent to become internationally renowned, Basquiat, who died in 1988 due to a drug overdose, was an influential figure in the '80s New-Expressionist movement.
Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow
Another documentary, this film follows German artist Anselm Kiefer's creative process as he transforms an abandoned silk factory in France into a land of fantastic sculptures.
Suicide Club
From Germany comes this film about five strangers who meet on a high-rise rooftop in order to leap to their deaths.
My Joy
A dark film, which aims to explore the situation in Russia today, this Ukrainian film follows the story of truck driver Georgi whose daily routine one day takes a tragic turn and he ends up losing his health and memory.
When We Leave
Another film from Germany, When We Leave is the country's official entry for Best Foreign Film in next year's Oscars. It tells the story of Umay, a young woman of Turkish descent, whose fight for independence against her family results in some life-threatening situations.
If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle
Silviu, a young Romanian man, is convicted of theft and sentenced to four years in prison. A few days before his release, he learns that his mother plans to return to Italy in search of work. Silviu will go to any length to prevent this, even if it means kidnapping a social worker whom he recently became acquainted with.
Tomorrow Will be Better
Three homeless Russian boys have one stubborn wish — to travel to Poland in search of a better life. On their journey, friendships are formed and loyalties are questioned but despite their challenges, they are united by their singular hope for a better tomorrow.
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