2nd films slate completes Muhr category – Latest and greatest regional films at DIFF

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A still from short documentary ‘Hajwalah’ by art and graffiti documenter Rana Jarbou.
A still from short documentary ‘Hajwalah’ by art and graffiti documenter Rana Jarbou.

DUBAI, Nov 24: The Muhr Gulf Short Category is now complete, with the second slate of films announced to the line-up for the 15-strong category at the 12th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF). Premiering the latest and greatest short films from across the region, the category pays homage to the finest in Arab filmmaking from some of the region’s most progressive directors, in what will be a celebration of cinematic triumph.

From economic hardships to the struggle between right and wrong, all set against the rich regional backdrop of the Gulf, the category is set to broaden the cultural horizons of local and international audiences alike at the 12th Festival, which will run from Dec 9-16.

The first of the highly-anticipated short films set to join the line-up for the Muhr Gulf Short Category is “Zaina’s Cake”, by Saudi Arabian director Nada Al Mojadedi. In her second directorial venture, Al Mojadedi brings audiences into the life of Zaina, a young college graduate with high aspirations for starting her own cake business. However, when Zaina’s father objects to his daughter’s ambitions, she must go behind his back and secretly employ the help of a new friend to get her venture up and running.

Joining Al Mojadedi, is fellow Saudi Arabian director Hind Al Fahhad, whose latest short film, “Peddiers’, depicts the daily challenges faced by a group of women. Set in a traditional Souk, the short film relays the hardships of society as the women strive to earn a living but are shunned and unable to find a place to make their own and set up shop.

With more than 18 international and local film festivals under his belt, acclaimed Iraqi actor and director Shwan Attoof joins the line-up for the Muhr Gulf Short Category with his gripping film, “My Father’s Garden”. Depicting a young Mujahid’s inner struggles with right and wrong, and his belief in Tasawwuf, ‘My Father’s Garden’ is a religious allegory that questions the morality of the world in which the young Mujahid has become involved.

Avid street art and graffiti documenter Rana Jarbou uses her background of highlighting underlying societal issues to create her latest work, ‘Hajwalah’, a short documentaryconcerning the illegal street racing phenomenon known as Arab Drifting (Hajwalah). Through the eyes of the central protagonist, Rakan, the director explores the culture behind Hajwalah,and through Rana’s lens the film discovers the city of Riyadh as Hajwalah finds its own sense of belonging in the rapidly growing desert metropolis.

Premiere

Joining the exceptional line-up is the final film of acclaimed actor Omar Sharif’s career before his untimely passing in July, ‘1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham’. From award-winning director and producer Ahmed Salim and enjoying its world premiere at the Festival, the UK and UAE co-produced film focuses on the scientific journey of 11th Century Arab polymath and philosopher Ibn Al-Haytham. It follows his journey to discover the nature of light and vision, guided by Sharif in a partly animated storyline. Audiences are sure to be spellbound by the historical depth and scientific journey taken by the film.

Multi-award-winning director Bahaa Al Kadimy, renowned for his work on the novelistic film ‘Feet That Hanging Roses’ and short film ‘Men Only’, returns to the film festival scene with his dramatic short ‘Dialing’. Set in a war torn neighbourhood, ‘Dialing’’ follows an Iraqi woman bereft of her son and unable to accept his death. Refusing to accept the evidence before her, she journeys through the neighbourhood in search of a phone she can use to contact him, despite not knowing how to use one.

With another six engrossing films completing the line-up for the Muhr Gulf Short Category, Masoud Amralla Al Ali, DIFF’s Artistic Director, commented on the perpetual growth of DIFF and what the category’s introduction means to regional filmmakers:

“As DIFF continues to grow it is important that we are able to provide more and more opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work. With the introduction of the Muhr Gulf Short Category at DIFF this year and the growing strength in submissions we’ve witnessed, we are providing Arab filmmakers with an exclusive opportunity to be recognised on a global platform. In the hope of transforming the film industry in the region, we will continue to strive and further our efforts in fostering the progression of exciting new talent.”

Following Masoud Amralla Al Ali’s comments, Salah Sermini, DIFF’s Programmer, added:

“DIFF is not only about supporting local talent and providing them with a platform to reach the next stage; it’s also about showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the Middle East and helping audiences develop a deeper understanding of the region. The Muhr Gulf Short Category is just one example of this in action, and we look forward to bringing this exciting category to new audiences at this year’s Festival.”

The Muhr Gulf Short Category will run alongside a plethora of cinematic excellence from local, regional and global filmmakers at the 12th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival from Dec 9-16, 2015.

This year’s most anticipated films from across the globe will take centre stage in the ‘Cinema of the World’ segment of the 12th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF). Featuring an array of the brightest directors and filmmakers to grace the big screen, the programme is a culmination of 57 breath-taking features from across the globe and isset to enthral fans from Dec 9-16.

Japanese filmmaker Naomi Kawase will showcase her heart-warming film ‘AN’. Set in the life of a pancake stall manager, the story unfolds as an odd but sympathetic elderly lady looking for work comes to him for a job. With one taste of her home-made bean paste the manager at the stall hires her and soon the pair builds a relationship that is about much more than simple street food.

Illustrious director Santiago Mitre is welcomed to DIFF with his multi-award winning film, ‘Paulina’. Set in Argentina, ‘Paulina’ is a social thriller that explores judicial ideologies surrounding violence and gang culture in the country. The film follows its protagonist, Paulina, as she abandons her career as a successful lawyer to become a social activist in a poverty stricken area. One day, Paulina is brutally attacked by a gang,challenging her resolve and her will to uphold her convictions.

Iranian director Amir-Hossein Saghafi introduces his third feature, ‘The Man Who Became a Horse’. A father living with his only daughter attempts to keep her close at all costs after her mother passes away. A single white horse is kept in memory of her mother. The daughter dearly loves the horse, but is forced to say a painful goodbye when she must leave her father and their home after she is wed. Unwilling to let his daughter leave, the father goes toextreme lengths to see that she remains by his side in this visually stunning tale that will leave audiences guessing.

Representing Scandinavian cinema in all its glory, Grimur Hakonarson’s ‘Rams’ is the Icelandic filmmaker’s most recent feature, and having already won eight awards in 2015, the film will be sure to receive high acclaim from audiences at DIFF. Set in a remote Icelandic farming valley, the feature follows two brothers who haven’t spoken in 40 years. When the outbreak of a disease threatens their way of life, they are forced to come together and resolve their differences to save their livelihood: their flock of sheep.

Emotional

Globally respected and award-winning writer and director, Terence Davies presents his latest work,’Sunset Song’, a deeply emotional film adaption of the Lewis Grassic Gibbon novel of the same name. Set in the harsh and beautiful Scottish heartland, the film is a tale of ephemeral joys and the inescapable struggles in life.

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