Layla Kaylif won the 4th IWC Filmmaker Award at the 12th Dubai International Film Festival for her film “The Letter Writer”. This year, three filmmakers were shortlisted for the award: Qatari director Khalifa Al Muraikhi for his project “Sahaab”, Saudi director Shahad Ameen for her feature “Scales” and Emirati director Layla Kaylif for “The Letter Writer”.

Layla Kaylif was presented with the USD 100,000 prize, and she also received an IWC timepiece.

Aspiring Emirati director Layla Kaylif is the founder of the Dubai-based film production company Canopus Films, and her latest feature is “The Letter Writer”. The film is a romantic drama which tells a story of deception and lies as a young boy, Khalifa, uses his skills as a professional letter writer for personal gain at the expense of his trusting customers. One such customer is Mr Mohamed, the owner of a drapery shop, whom Khalifa befriends and assists in corresponding with his secret love, Elli. However, when Khalifa catches a glimpse of Elli for the first time, he is instantly smitten and begins a secret and forbidden pursuit of Elli’s affections behind Mr Mohamed’s back.

Image: IWC Filmmaker Award winner Layla Kaylif poses during the IWC Filmmaker Award Night 2015 at The One & Only Royal Mirage on December 10, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Anthony Harvey / Getty Images for IWC)