Artistic talents

The Middle East International Film Festival, the long awaited event on the UAE's cultural agenda, took place recently in Abu Dhabi. The film festival showcased regional and international talent and gave existing as well as aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to compete. The competition was open to all filmmakers as long as their film was not already available on the market.

Finalist speak

Each finalist was able to connect with the audience at a different level, whether it was in drama, spirit, or humour. In Tourist, communication technology student Luluwa Al Mehairbi created a humourous twist on what would normally be considered a very dry and serious topic.

In her film, an Arab tourist is on his way to London. Elated, the tourist packs his bags days before take off and is trying to improve his English. Finally upon his arrival in London, the immigration panel starts interrogating the tourist on his reasons for his visit. Fearful and hesitant because of the automatic tension created in the situation, the tourist blurts out "terrorist" instead of "tourist." The tourist is then directly arrested and taken into custody by security and police officers.

"This film is actually a true story that happened to my cousin when he was travelling to the US," said Al Mehairbi. "It shows a how an innocent circumstance can go terribly wrong simply because of the stigma tied to the situation in our minds."

Festival categories and competitions

Official Cmpetition: This category is open to all narrative and documentary films. Entrants are vying for the Black Pearl Trophy and production grants (one for each section).

Short Flm Cmpetition: Films in this section are 15 minutes or less. Entrants in this category are also vying for the Black Pearl Trophy and a production grant.

Middle East Spotlight: This section focused on Middle Eastern Films. Films of all lengths and genres were showcased. There was a competition within the category in which the winner receives a Dh100,000 cash prize. There was a tie for the top spot: the winners were UAE filmmakers Fadhel Al Muhairi and Hani Shaibani. There was also an award for Variety Middle East filmmaker which went to Nadine Labaki.

Hayah Film Competition: A competition for films under five minutes in duration, made especially for the iPod.

Bollywood Showcase: Celebrating the 60th anniversary of India's independence, the festival is showcasing a selection of Bollywood features.

Arab Women Directors: A showcase of films by female Arab directors.

Special Presentations: Premieres of high profile films including Atonement, I'm Not There and Redacted.

The judges

The panel of judges includes Ann Bernier, Director of Operations and Development and imX Communications, Ian Birnie, Director of the Film Department at the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art, and Mohammad Al Ahmad, currently the General Director and Head of the Executive Board of the National Film Organisation.

Considering that a fair few names from the industry are attending the festival, even if entrants don't win, the shortlisted still have a chance to showcase their talents to a relevant audience.