The woman who launched a thousand movies

Writer and film festival consultant Sheila Whitaker talks about the challenges she faces when selecting films for DIFF.

Although film festivals around the world are renowned for showcasing movies, which may never make the big screen, it is undoubtedly the Hollywood blockbusters which always grab the headlines.

Sheila Whitaker has a hard task each year of deciding what makes the cut as the programmer for the international section.

"It is a difficult job, because I have to choose films from some of the biggest movie industries in the world. I watch hundreds of films throughout the year and then have to select just 25 for DIFF. It really isn't an easy task."

Whitaker, from the UK, was Head of Programming at the National Film Theatre in London from 1984 to 1990 and Director of the London Film Festival from 1987 to 1996. She is well known as a writer and film festival consultant and has served on many international juries at festivals from Venice to Syria.

"When I watch a movie it is important for me to think about all the aspects of the movie and film making.

"I must consider the budget, the time it took and really try and understand what the director is trying to say."

Whitaker explains the challenges she faces when picking what will be screened, given the UAE's cultural sensitivities.
"Obviously, there are certain things we cannot select to show here and that goes without saying — so I exercise a great deal of self-censorship to be honest. It's just common sense.

"But that said, I have come up against issues even when picking films to screen in London. It actually happens more than people know.

"The international section at DIFF this year is varied and interesting and tells some amazing stories. I just hope the audience agrees."