NAME OF FESTIVAL: Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)
SINCE: 2004
WHERE: Dubai, UAE
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Since its inception in 2004, the festival has served as an influential platform for Arab filmmakers and talent at an international level, by spearheading the cinema movement in the region. Each year DIFF presents new and exciting cinema from the Arab world and beyond introducing audiences to fresh new talent and original, intelligent and distinctive filmmaking.
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)
“Habibi,” a story of forbidden love, and the first fiction feature set in Gaza in over 15 years was the big winner at the 2011 Dubai International Film Festival. Habibi received the awards for Muhr Arab Feature – Best Film :Susan Youssef (Director), Muhr Arab Feature – Best Actress :Maisa Abd Elhadi (Actor / Actress), Muhr Arab Feature – Best Editor :Susan Youssef (Editor, FIPRESCI Arab Feature :Susan Youssef (Director), and Muhr Arab Feature – […]
The 2010 Dubai International Film Festival draw to a close over the weekend and handed out its annual Muhr Awards. This year the festival featured a line-up of 157 films from 57 countries, including 41 world premieres, 13 international premieres, 58 Middle East premieres and 32 Gulf premieres. Nayla Al Khaja’s “Bored,” about a young Emirati couple, on their honeymoon, took the top prize. “Their approach to the relationship and commitment to the marriage is […]
Actor Sean Penn did not attend the Dubai International Film Festival where he was to accept the DIFF Lifetime Achievement Award at the Festival’s opening ceremony on December 12, 2010. The actor reportedly remained in Haiti with his charity the J/P Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO), amid concerns for the charity’s staff in the wake of violent protests following the recent disputed presidential election In a statement, Penn said: ‘I am honoured to receive the […]
The Dubai International Film Festival named American film icon and international social and political activist Sean Penn as its Western honoree for 2010. Penn, whose career spans nearly three decades, more than 45 films and notable successes as producer, director, actor and screenwriter, will accept the DIFF Lifetime Achievement Award at the Festival’s opening ceremony on December 12, 2010. “Sean Penn is without a doubt one of the finest talents of our generation, an outstanding […]
For the first time, DIFF is taking its flagship laurel to the heart of Africa with the recognition for Cissé, the Malian director and Cannes jury prize winner who has created compelling personal tales that reflect the spirit and diversity of the continent. Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman of Dubai International Film Festival, said: “Over the years, Africa has produced powerful films that portray the social, political and economic realities of the continent. Souleymane Cissé has been […]
DIFF-accredited students will be able to attend and participate in workshops, panel discussions, master classes, networking sessions and screenings in addition to receiving special access to the Festival’s specialist teams. All told, they will have the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of the region’s leading film festival. Eligible students can register at the DIFF website, www.dubaifilmfest.com. All applications must be supported by a letter from their college or university or relevant faculty member. […]
The Festival’s annual ‘In Focus’ segment introduces regional audiences to the film, talent and narratives of nations with a history of excellence in cinema. With Mexico being responsible for some of Latin America’s best and most popular contemporary films, DIFF 2010’s In Focus: Mexico segment is expected to resonate not only with the region’s burgeoning Spanish-speaking population but with everyone who loves cinema. Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director of the Dubai International Film Festival […]
Brand new all-star drama ‘The King’s Speech’ will open the seventh Dubai International Film Festival on December 12, 2010, continuing the Festival’s tradition of bringing the most anticipated and critically acclaimed global films to local and regional audiences. The film, based on the true story of King George VI and his struggle to lead Britain in the run up to World War II, features an award-winning cast led by Colin Firth (Bridget Jones Diary, A […]
One of the Arab world’s most prolific and popular actresses and singers, Sabah has starred in more than 98 movies, including several timeless comedies and musicals and lighthearted fare; released 50 albums and amassed more than 3,500 songs in her repertoire; and acted in 20 stage plays. Renowned for her endearing performances, soaring voice and sparkling personality, Sabah – or ‘Al Shahroura’ (The Singing Bird) as she is known to her fans – continues to […]
The Philosopher, a short film directed by Fujairah-born national Abdulla AlKaabi and starring A-list international screen and stage veteran Jean Reno of La Femme Nikita, Leon: The Professional and Mission: Impossible fame, will screen in Dubai as part of DIFF’s seventh edition taking place from December 12 to 19, 2010. Shot in Paris earlier this year with more than 80 cast and crew at a cost of €200,000, AlKaabi’s debut film features the cream of […]