Emirati directors expressed their pride and happiness to have their very own Muhr award introduced by Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) this year.
Fourteen directors have been shortlisted to compete for the inaugural Muhr Emirati award, which will be presented on Sunday at the festival's closing ceremony. They include well-known names and younger directors who submitted new work covering a wide variety of subjects and in many different styles, from documentary to feature and from real stories to fantasy.
One of the UAE's leading filmmakers, Nayla Al Khaja, who is competing with her film Malal, said the new award is evidence that film industry in the UAE has entered its second era, reflected in the fact that there's strong competition between leading directors.
"Introducing this award reflects the maturity of film industry in the UAE," Nayla told tabloid!.
For his part, Khalid Al Mahmoud said the UAE cinema is advanced, as it is competing in international festivals and winning awards. "We have reached a stage where we can compete, and it is great to have an award for Emirati filmmakers."
tabloid! introduces you to nine of these ground-breaking directors.
Saeed Al Dhaheri
Two Guys and a Goat
What is your film about?
The film is a comedy about two guys who steal a goat, and I selected this topic because I like comedy. It was near Eid time, when the prices go up, and the idea started developing.
Who funded the film?
I paid for everything. I have my own equipment and software, and my friends helped me in shooting the film and editing it, so it was not very costly.
Your influences?
Japanese director Takeshi Kitano, and in particular his film Kikojiro.
Which other films are you planning to see at Diff?
I will watch many of the competing films, as well as films from South East Asia.
Rashid Al Merri
Letters to Palestine
What is your film about?
The film is a number of video messages sent from the UAE to the Palestinian people. The idea was based on Ziara Initiative, which organises a visit to Palestine for some groups, but Arabs who can't travel to Palestine would also like to send video messages. The film was completed in October.
Who funded the film?
The film cost next to nothing. I worked with producer Buthaina Kazim, and the College of Higher Technology's Media department gave me all the needed equipment. Most people worked voluntarily.
Your influences?
Stanley Kubrick, whose film The Shining prompted me to write my first scenario.
Which other films are you planning to see at Diff?
I would like to see Sabeel by Khalid Al Mahmoud, The Philosopher by Abdullah Al Kaabi, and other Arabic and Emirati films.
Nayla Al Khaja
Malal (Boredom)
What is your film about?
The film is about an Emirati couple who go to South India for their honeymoon, but the bride is bored during her honeymoon. The idea occurred to me when I was once trapped in a hotel in Sharjah during the rain. I couldn't go out or do anything, and I was extremely bored. This is when I started writing the story.
Who funded the film?
The film was financed by my own production company, D7, and twofour54 Abu Dhabi.
Your influences?
Stanley Kubrick, Clint Eastwood and Deepa Mehta.
Which other films are you planning to see at DIFF?
The films I'm planning to attend are 20 Cigarettes, Biutiful and White Bone, as well as some Palestinian movies.
Ahmad Zain
Etmah (Darkness)
What is your film about?
The film is about the role of the postman in the past. He used to deliver messages, read them for their recipients and sometimes even write their reply for them. The idea was mine, but the scenario was written by Saeed Salmeen.
Who funded the film?
The film is produced by Emirates Foundation and Abu Dhabi Culture and Arts Group.
Your influences?
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director of Diff, who is a great director and also helped the film industry in the UAE.
Which other films are you planning to see at Diff?
Sabeel by Khalid Al Mahmoud.
Saud Mohammad Merwesh
Soweer
What is your film about?
Soweer is a traditional game. The film is about a lonely girl who lives with her grandmother. She meets a fairy who becomes her friend and plays with her. It is a fantasy, and I always wanted to make a fantasy movie.
Who funded the film?
The film was financed by Emirates Foundation.
Your influences?
Peter Jackson, director of Lord of the Rings and James Cameron, director of Avatar.
Which other films are you planning to see at Diff?
I will watch Emirati films and some others.
Moaz Bin Hafez
Hayat Min Sakhar (Life of Stone)
What is your film about?
The film is a documentary about an old Emirati man from Ras Al Khaimah who gathers stones from the mountain and sells them. It is a real story that inspired me.
Who funded the film?
I used my own equipment and the film took one day to shoot and didn't cost much.
Your influences?
Darren Aronofsky and my favourite is his film Requiem for a Dream.
Which other films are you planning to see at Diff?
Malal by Nayla Al Khaja and The Philosopher by Abdullah Al Kaabi.
Ali Khalifa Bin Thalith
Ghawas Gaza (Gaza Diver)
What is your film about?
The film is a documentary about a Palestinian boy who had his legs amputated in Gaza and came to the UAE for treatment, but ended up learning how to do dive and loving it. I am a member of the Tawasul Diving Society, and I suggested that the boy tries diving to help him heal.
Who funded the film?
The film was costly because part of it was shot in Gaza. It was funded by the production company First Lens.
Your influences?
Syrian director Mustafa Al Akkad, Egyptian director Yousuf Shaheen and Steven Segal. They all made timeless movies.
Which other films are you planning to see at Diff?
I will watch as many movies as I can, but should see The Philosopher.
Khalid Al Mahmoud
Sabeel
What is your film about?
The film is about two kids living with their grandmother. They sell vegetables to buy her medicine. It is a simple story and a window through which we can see the lives of these people.
Who funded the film?
The film was supported by Emirates Foundation and Gulf Film Festival.
Your influences?
Italian directors made me want to become a filmmaker. Federico Fellini and Pier Paolo Pasolini are among my favourite directors.
Which other films are you planning to see at Diff?
Reeh by Waleed Al Shehhi and The Philosopher by Abdullah Al Kaabi.
Nujoom Al Ganem
Hamama
What is your film about?
Hamama is a documentary film about a 90-year-old woman who works as a healer. I was looking for a real life character and a friend of mine who is interested in heritage suggested her.
Who funded the film?
The film was produced by Nahar Production and Dubai Entertainment and Media Organisation in association with Dubai Film Market (Injaz).
Your influences?
Steven Spielberg. I never miss any of his films. Also director Akira Kurosawa.
Which other films are you planning to see at Diff?
I have yet to decide, but will sure watch Emirati and Gulf movies.
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