Seeking infinite perspectives
The 12th edition of the biggest film festival in the region seeks to open dialogue across cultures Don’t miss it!
60 countries. 40 languages. 54 world premieres. 134 entries. The Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) 2015 on Wednesday opened its doors to visitors from across the globe at Madinat Jumeirah, with full loyalty to the opulence and luxury that is Dubai. Diff has steadily grown into a serious, mature festival in a matter of twelve years, and it only hopes to grow bigger.
“Twelve years is a very, very short time in the span of cinema. I want [Diff] to be one of the best five or six in the coming five to six years. I think that is achievable and that’s really what we’re working for,” said Diff chairman Abdulhamid Juma.
The theme for Diff 2015 is ‘Infinite Perspectives’. The diverse line-up of entries includes movies from conflict-ridden regions, and a number of films that propagate the values of family and acceptance. Perhaps this is acknowledgement of the turmoil that currently plagues the region.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Diff’s artistic director, recognises this increasing hostility and believes cinema helps promote a sense of brotherhood.
“I believe this cinema is the new language where we can exchange between culture, religions, everyone, and be better By Young Journalist Award participant Diff’s Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali,
Shivani Pandya, Managing Director of DIFF, and Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman of DIFF on the red carpet at the opening on
December 9.
understanding... Cinema is the tool of this century. We use cinema as a tool to better understand, to create a dialogue, to fight the extremists, to fight the wrong ideas.”
Al Ali also said that in these times the festival sends a message and tackles pressing social issues through the selection of the films that are screened at Diff.
Juma said that the “need for continuous dialogue is more important now than ever,” adding that cinema helps make sense of the “madness around us”.
The main objective of the festival, according to Juma, is to encourage and
raise the profile of regional filmmakers. The Muhr line-up includes content from several first-time filmmakers which, Juma says, is of an “outstanding calibre”. The overall lineup also includes the work of 22 female filmmakers.
Panel discussions, charity galas, premieres, workshops and free public film screenings at The Beach are all part of the festival, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
With international celebrities including Richard Dreyfuss, Eva Longoria, Jake Gyllenhaal and Naseeruddin Shah set to attend, this year promises to be as infinitely exciting as ever.