Firth, Bonham Carter likely to hit Dubai

Hollywood stars Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter are expected to be in the UAE this December, when their new film opens the Dubai International Film Festival.

Both actors star in “The King’s Speech”, which is based on the true story of the British king George VI and his friendship with the maverick speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).

Bertie, as he was called, suffered from a debilitating stammer all his life, which would prove an impediment for a leader setting out to inspire a nation on the brink of war. Directed by Tom Hooper, the film has already been declared a contender for next year’s Academy Awards and won the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award.

Festival Chairman Abdulhamid Juma said he was delighted his team had been able to secure the film. “We are excited to begin our programming on such a high note and are confident it will be a sell-out here,” he said in a media statement.

“The world’s leading studios and filmmakers are increasingly placing their trust in the professionalism, the business potential and the achievements of our Festival, and that is reflected in our ability to secure world-leading titles and talents early in the season,” he added.

“The King’s Speech” is expected to go on general release in the UAE in January.

The seventh edition of Diff runs from December 12 to 19.

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