Khaleej Times

Diff draws to an exciting close; Wajib bags top Muhr awards

- Joshua Arnup

dubai — As the 14th edition of the Dubai Internatio­nal Film Festival (Diff) wrapped up on Wednesday, film lovers and visitors at the festival were treated to some unforgetta­ble scenes.

The eight-day film festival concluded with the Muhr Awards ceremony, giving away prizes for the best short and feature films originatin­g from the UAE and the Arab world. The winners walked away with obvious delight on their faces after bagging one of the most prestigiou­s prizes that recognises Arab cinema.

The appearance of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum further highlighte­d the magnitude of the awards, as he presented the glass trophies to each enthuastic recipient. The excitement carried on with the People’s Choice Award, awarding films voted for by all the viewers, with Goodbye Christophe­r Robin bagging the top prize.

Adding to the electric atmosphere was all the Star Wars memorabili­a and figurines — Stormtroop­ers, Jedis, Ewoks — throughout the Madinat Arena. Dubai definitely went over to the dark side when Darth Vader and his troops took to the red carpet, teasing the fans prior to the long awaited screening of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Seats for the film — along with all others shown on the day — were fully booked, providing for a full house on the last day of Dubai’s biggest film festival

reporters@khaleejtim­es.com (The writer is an intern at Khaleej

Times.)

 ?? Photos by Neeraj Murali ?? sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin rashid Al Maktoum presenting Muhr awards to sofia djama who won the best director award; best actress Menha El Batroui and to nujoom Alghanem for best feature film during the closing day of the 14th dubai internatio­nal...
Photos by Neeraj Murali sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin rashid Al Maktoum presenting Muhr awards to sofia djama who won the best director award; best actress Menha El Batroui and to nujoom Alghanem for best feature film during the closing day of the 14th dubai internatio­nal...
 ??  ?? Annemarie Jacir (centre) celebrates with Mohammad Bakri after winning the best feature film category award.
Annemarie Jacir (centre) celebrates with Mohammad Bakri after winning the best feature film category award.

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