Talal Mahmoud showcases Rayhaan

Sharjah-born Talal Mahmoud says he could not get through life without film, cinema and script.

Excitedly dashing to his first Qand A session at the first Gulf Film Festival - a platform to showcase up-and-coming film makers from the Middle East only - Mahmoud expresses his hopes and dreams for the future.

He says: "Why would you want anything else? I just want to be creative for the rest of my life and this line of work is simply perfect."

Director, script-writer, cinematographer, actor and screenplay editor, Mahmoud has devoted his life to the world of film and is slowly breaking the industry.

A member of the Sharjah National Theatre and UAE Cine, the 25-year-old was a co-founder of the CinemaN Film Group, has written numerous stage plays, has co-written various films and sis a regular on the stage in theatrical productions across the emirates.

Mahmoud has entered Rayhaan in the short category of the Official Competition at the festival.

He said: "The film is a little different from other things I have done and looks at a family with laws of their own and how it affects the dynamic of the group as well as the people around them.

"This film festival is a great addition to the growing industry in the UAE and Middle East and it's just what we need. It is a wonderful platform for younger film makers and could potentially give us opportunities for the future.

"We can't all start off big - sometimes you have to start from the bottom and work your way up."