This year, the Dubai International Film Festival presented 13 Emirati films, including six features and four short films.
Not only is there more local talent now, the content they explore in their films has also evolved.
Hassan Kiyani, an Emirati VR Programme Assistant at Diff, said Emirati women filmmakers are portraying a realistic image of UAE culture in their movies.
“We see daring and bold narratives on screen by filmmakers such as Shatha Masoud for her documentary Mamsous [about struggling with depression and anxiety], then the well-known Nayla Al Khaja for Animal [based on an abusive past], and Nujoom Al Ganem, who brings her new documentary Honey, Rain and Dust [exploring honey production in the UAE],” he said.
Kiyany said more thought provoking content like this is expected from such filmmakers, as they portray the local culture and heritage.
“We are standing at a time of movement in showcasing local talent, but we need to support them and we want them to be noticed on an international level, as well,” he said.
The young yet talented filmmaker Aisha Al Zaabi also dazzled the audience with her Muhr Emirati entry, A Night in a Taxi, which is about a taxi driver in Abu Dhabi who can’t find anybody to listen to his tragic story.
“I wanted to create a message that we shouldn’t underestimate and judge other nationalities and communities, because we are all humans and need an ear,” she said during an interview.
Film critic Gautaman Bhaskaran said the evolution of UAE cinema has been interesting.
“I would want these films to be shown across the world and not just confined in festivals,” he said.
Film fan John McGregor, who has lived in Dubai for 30 years, finds UAE cinema “exciting”. He emphasised that local talent is pushing the “cultural boundaries” and becoming more open to adapting real-life stories on screen. He believes this is a powerful tool that will make inroads into the film industry.
— The Young Journalist Award (YJA) at Diff is a training programme for high school and university students who are aspiring writers and reporters. Eight students are competing at the festival this year. One winner will secure a monthlong internship with Gulf News.
