Haggis pledges support

Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis says he is excited about returning to the Middle East to help future film makers in the region.

He said: "The Middle East has a long history of story-telling. It's something they are good at and it comes from their roots and traditions. But film isn't a part of that right now and there is so much potential here. I am committed to pledging my support in any way I can in the Middle East because I believe there is talent here. I think it's about time the rest of the world stopped objectifying about what goes on here. Through film we can show people what life is like in the Middle East."

Real People

Enjoying rave reviews for his latest film, In the Valley of Elah, Haggis attended the film festival along with Jake McLaughlin and Frances Fisher, who appear in the film.

Haggis has also agreed to be part of a team which will run a lab for future filmmakers in the coming months.

Talking about the filming of this latest offering, which follows a true-to-life story of a war veteran whose son goes missing just weeks after returning from service in Iraq, Haggis said: "In the Valley of Elah is a film I think half the world is ready for and half is not. It's real. Many of the actors, including Jake, were soldiers who really fought and have little or no formal acting education. They are real people who know what it felt like to be shot at, know how to kick a door and know the heartache out in the war-torn country.

Real feelings

"That's what I wanted. I didn't want the mechanics of actors for many of the roles — just real feelings and expressions."
Currently writing the next James Bond film, Haggis said his best piece of advice to those on set was to go out for a entire week before shooting begins and get to know each other.

He added: "I didn't ask anyone about their political stance. This is a film about how a father felt and the struggles he faced. It has no bearing on which way people should vote."

McLaughlin told tabloid! how his role in the movie virtually cleaned him out. A husband and father-of-one, he said: "I had no money. My wife and I were struggling to make rent and I was working as a labourer.

Natural instinct

"A friend of mine told me to audition for a part and I did. I couldn't believe it when I got a call back and when I got the part I almost died. It was like a Godsend. I spent my last $200 (Dh735) flying to the audition and something was obviously just meant to be.

"The most difficult thing for me was remembering what my job was on set. Whenever I saw someone lifting or moving something I wanted to help — it was my natural instinct."

Make a difference

Frances Fisher said she hoped the people of the Middle East liked the film and added she wanted to make a difference, which was why she decided to take the role.

She said: "These are issues which need to be seen. Iraq is a mess and the people of America need to take responsibility for it. People are hurting and something must be done."

Haggis, McLaughlin and Fisher attended the premiere and award ceremony at the Emirates Palace Hotel.