Emerging. And growing

The UAE's film industry is growing steadily, thanks to the great potential of Emirati directors and script writers. Talented filmmakers here are making small but steady strides in a nascent industry, dealing with local concerns with a universal appeal. Six films directed by Emiratis have been shown at DIFF. Here's a quick look at the films.

Al Hellah

Jassim Mohammed Al Salty is the director, script writer and editor of the short film, Al Hellah. The film takes a look at today's youth and how different they are from the youth of 50 years ago.

"My film concentrates on the simple ways of entertaining youth in the olden days, contrasting them with how complex things are now," said Al Salty. "The film takes place in the UAE, but I think this is true anywhere in the world. I wanted to convey that sometimes, the old way of doing things is still the right way."

Ahmad Sulaiman

Waleed Al Shehhi's film, Ahmad Sulaiman, is a touching story of loneliness. The film is about Ahmad Sulaiman, a deaf-mute man with a prosthetic leg who lives in Umm Al Quwain. The film takes you through a day in the life of this lonely man who has no family or friends.

"I don't think we have a problem discussing sensitive issues in the UAE," said Al Shehhi. "The film is the portrayal of a special man, whose life story, I feel, should be shared with people."

Sama' Sagheera

Abdullah Hassan Ahmad and Omar Ibrahim's film, which translates as Small Sky, touches upon the issues of Islam and women — of a young Muslim girl who feels trapped by her father's obsession with his faith.

"It was hard for us to make this film because everything is done with our own funding. And I think I speak on behalf of all Emirati filmmakers," said a filmmaker. "But events such as DIFF are a great opportunity for us to show our films, because we all have stories that we want people to hear."

Once Upon A Seed

Emirati animator Hamad Mansoor Al Awar's 4-minute film — Once Upon A Seed — is the story of a seed struggling for independence between two trees.

"I was inspired by a poem of the same name," said Al Awar. "I studied animation in Miami. I really think that the UAE has a bright future in films but I feel that we need a film school in the country."

Arabana

Naila Al Khaja, the first Emirati female producer, has made several documentaries in the past. Her six-minute film, Arabana (Wheelbarrow), deals with the sensitive issue of child molestation.

"The film was inspired by a case in the UAE," said Naila. "The film is set here, but it is not something that happens here alone. It is a serious crime which happens everywhere around the world."

Sara's Secrets

Sara's Secrets, a creative thriller directed by Juma Al Sahli, turns the spotlight on how jealousy can drive you to the edge. "I would have really liked to take the film to greater heights, but my budget was not sufficient," said Al Sahli.

"I feel that we all have great prospects of becoming filmmakers and hope that festivals such as DIFF continue to give their much-appreciated support."