Dubai International Film Festival
Posted Tuesday, January 02, 2007, 8:01 PM by Lonely Planet
Lara Dunston, author of the Dubai city guide goes into battle with the paparazzi...
The 3rd Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) promised scores of celebrities. Our 'VIP' press status got us a great view of everyone arriving on the red carpet - from behind. In true Dubai style, there was a 'VVIP' media list but unfortunately we weren't on it. Welcome to Dubai...
When DIFF launched three years earlier, in the great tradition of Arab hospitality it opened its arms to everyone. Cinemas were packed. Stars shopped solo at Madinat Jumeirah. The parties were crowded and fun.
This year, after a week of movies and disappointing photo ops, we left with the impression that like Dubai, the festival has grown too big too fast. Poor organisation resulted in 'sold-out' screenings and half-empty cinemas. The 'black tie' galas saw parties packed with corporate minions, while more interesting filmmakers were either left off the list or went elsewhere, reluctant to don the now-required tux.
While scores of C-listers experienced Dubai's five-star treatment, only A-listers Oliver Stone and Richard Gere were - as rumour had it - ensconced at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai's iconic 'seven-star' hotel. On the red carpet, camera-phone wielding tourists jostled alongside paparazzi for a look at the pampered pair before they were whisked into Madinat Theatre for a discussion panel. Stone was embarrassingly inarticulate, with no apparent knowledge of the rich tradition of Middle East cinema, while Gere was a surprise - opinionated, sincere, and down-to-earth. He even tried to talk to fans afterwards until over-zealous security whisked him away.
As for the films themselves, the highlight was the significantly expanded Arab selection featuring wonderful movies from around the Middle East, and some excellent world cinema. However, there were too many mainstream movies, some screening just days later in the multiplexes. Somewhere beneath the glittering layers of gaudy evening gowns and red carpet galas, a truly great Middle East film festival is just dying to get out of its festooned frock and slip into something more comfortable.
If you're in Dubai in mid-December, take advantage of the rare chance to see some (sub-titled)films from the Middle East region. You can check out the program and buy tickets online before you leave home at http://www.dubaifilmfest.com/.
Labels: Middle East
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5 Comments:
Oh!! Great event. I will not miss this. Thanks!
Bruce.
Yes it does sound grand! Thanks for the info :)
DIFF was great this year. Eagerly Looking for the next year events.
Film Contest:
The contest is part of International Romani Art Festival(31st August-6th September, Timisoara, Romania), the only festival in the world that speaks to people involved any kind of art, roma people and other nationalities, but who promote roma culture.
The theme of the contest is So Keres Europa? And we expect works from anyone who is interested in roma culture. Through this contest we will try to offer a new perspective over the traditions and way of life of roma people, to emphasize the fact that diversity is the thing that makes this world beautiful.
- the required formats are :mpeg, avi or dvd;
- works must be sent on a CD/DVD;
- the length of the materials must not be longer than 15 minutes.
- for technical support, please contact us at filmcontest@iraf.ro
The contest will have 3 prizes,in value of 1000 euro: one for each section(short documentary, artistic short movie), offered by the a jury formed from professionals and a prize from the public.
The participants are asked to send besides the videos, also a card of presentation for each movie , which must contain important information like: the names of all those who made and helped in making the movie, where and when the material was filmed, festival awards or other distinctions.
Please submit the material until the 1st of August 2007 to the following address:
Gospodarilor nr 14, Timisoara, Romania cod postal 300778.
The results of the selection will be sent to the participants by the 29th of August through electronic post. For that reason all the participants are asked to inform us what their e-mail address is.
DIFF 2007 is great also. Bigger selection of movies than last year. I especially love the Dubai First People's Choice Award 'cos it makes me feel like my choice of my movies (and my vote) matters.
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