DIFF 2017: Muhr Gulf Short line-up revealed

Filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Iraq will be presenting their short films at this year’s Dubai International Film Festival under the Muhr Gulf Short category in December.

Short films that tackle universal themes such as love, war, pride and fear will be rolled out at the week-long festival.

Iraqi director Mortada Gzar will showcase his animated short, Language, which analyses the way war can change our perspectives. Joining Gzar is Saudi Arabian award-winning director Hanaa Saleh Al Fassi who will screen Lollipop, a tale of a troubled teenager and the abuse she faces at home. Kuwaiti actor Ahmad Iraj makes his directorial debut with the friendship drama Hatem the Friend of Jassem. The film stars Rania Shehab.

Kuwaiti actor and filmmaker Mousaed Khalid returns to Diff with Saroona, which tackles sibling rivalry and jealousy. Belgian-Iraqi filmmaker Dhyaa Joda will showcase Sabyea, a tale of a Yazidi woman living in northern Iraq with her only daughter. Saudi Arabian filmmaker Mujtaba Saeed will bring his short The Darkness is a Color, a tale of ageing and loss.

Tickets to Diff, which runs from December 6 to 13, are available through its website.