Doha is the place to be for movie fans tonight as the Middle East's latest film festival launches with an exciting line-up of stars and films.
Hollywood actors Robert De Niro, Sir Ben Kingsley and Josh Hartnett, film directors Martin Scorsese and Danny Boyle and Egyptian superstars Adel Imam and Yusra are just some of the big names in the Qatari capital for the debut of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), which runs until November 4.
Other celebrities, including Egyptian actors Khaled Abol Naga and Ahmed Ezz and Turkish soap stars Kıvanç Tatlıtug and Songül Öden are also set to attend the opening night of the festival, to be held at the Museum of Islamic Art.
Acclaimed director Mira Nair's film, Amelia – starring Hilary Swank, Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor – will be presented, with warm-up entertainment provided by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
The event is open to the public and the museum's venue can accommodate up to 3,000 filmgoers, excluding festival VIPs and guests.
Michael Petrovich, Production Manager, DTFF said: "The physical planning for this event in Doha has been amazing. We have had Qataris and DTFF staff from 22 different countries bringing their experience to the production.
"This promises to be an incredible night and a great start to the festival".
DTFF's opening night kicks off the festival's three days of films, workshops, family activities, panels and free events.
Organisers have revealed that out of the 30 films comprising the rest of the festival's film slate, 11 have roots in the Middle East.
Film highlights include a showing of the 1969 Egyptian classic, Al Momia (The Mummy), which has been restored by Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Foundation; as well as Cairo Time, starring Patricia Clarkson; A Serious Man, the critically hailed new film from Academy Award winners Joel and Ethan Coen; and The Informant! from director Steven Soderbergh.
This year's Middle East International Film Festival hits No One Knows About Persian Cats and Son of Babylon also feature in the line-up. Twenty-nine of the 31 films featured will be eligible for two audience-based awards – one for best international film and one for best Arab film – each carrying cash prizes amounting to $50,000.
Audience award winners will be announced at DTFF's closing night ceremony on November 1. The festival will also announce a screenplay development and filmmaker grant programme, illustrating its commitment to develop and support filmmakers year-round in the region.
"We have programmed this slate with the local audience at the forefront of our minds. We are creating an exciting and varied film festival experience by bringing some of the best Arab and international films to Doha," said Amanda Palmer, Executive Director, DTFF.
"We are proud of the commitment of our attending filmmakers, who will help us take cinema appreciation to a new level here. These filmmakers will share their storytelling by not only showing their films, but by also engaging in other film-related activities, such as workshops throughout the festival."
Meanwhile, master-classes will be given by Nair, Boyle and Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman, and three industry conversations will explore the business of entertainment: tackling the topics of documentary filmmaking, film finance, and production and distribution in the global marketplace.
Guests will include Ken Kamins, who played a pivotal role in the financing of The Lord of the Rings and many other films, veteran independent film agent and financier Cassian Elwes and Lynette Howell, producer of Half Nelson and Phoebe in Wonderland.
Palmer said: "This range of opportunities is set to engage Doha in the world of filmmaking like never before. These panels and master-classes complement our year-round education.
"The conversations will unite films, filmmakers and audiences in a way that will evolve cinema culture."
Geoff Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer, Tribeca Enterprises, added: "This is what film festivals do best. They provide context and discussion to let films grow and evolve. This programme will advance our goals in Doha, which include laying the groundwork for an industry and elevating the dialogue about film."
- Tickets for the DTFF are available from www.dohatribecafilm.com.
Weekend events
Judging by the number of events happening thanks to a certain sporting event and a spooky annual holiday, this weekend could arguably be the busiest of 2009.
Whether you are attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix or dressing up for Halloween in Dubai, there are plenty of events on offer to cater to your taste. Emirates Business brings you the top picks of this weekend.
TONIGHT
Beyonce Live in Concert
Yas Marina Circuit
The Single Ladies hit-maker performs on the first night of the Grand Prix.
Time: From 7.30pm
Entry: Free of charge to F1 ticket holders
Contact: www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Star Warriors Featuring Luke Kay Walker
The 400
For those staying in Dubai, this space-themed event is perfect for those kicking off their weekend.
Time: 11pm
Entry: Free entry, but for couples only
Contact: 04 332 4900
TOMORROW
Jamiroquai Live in Concert
Yas Marina Circuit
The British band, fronted by Jay Kay perform live tonight.
Time: From 8pm
Entry: Free of charge to F1 ticket holders
Contact: www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Cavalli Club Halloween Featuring Bell café band
Cavalli Club Dubai
Former CSI actor Gary Dourdan plays funky rock tunes with his band. Support comes from Pacha's DJ Chus.
Time: From 9pm
Entry: Free of charge; but table reservations are recommended
Contact: 04 332 9260
Yasalam's beat's on the beach: Day four
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Tonight's entertainment comes courtesy of legendary Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama, and one of the UAE's best known R&B and hip-hop DJs, Dany Neville.
Time: From 10pm
Entry: Free of charge
Contact: www.yasmarinacircuit.com
F1 @ Etoiles
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
All the official Yas Island concert parties are to take place at Emirates Palace's trendy club. Expect to see plenty of stars.
Time: 11pm
Entry: Dh200
Contact: 02 690 8960
SATURDAY
Yasalam's Beat's on the Beach: Day Five
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The last night of beachside concerts features the Dubai-based Dahab, Egyptian pop singer Mohamed Hamaki, and Jamaica's The Wailers.
Time: From 7.30pm
Entry: Free of charge
Contact: www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Grand prix ball Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
This charity event, which aims to raise funds for the charity fresh2o, will see Sir Richard Branson auction a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the private launch of the Virgin Galactic Space Ship launch in Palo Alto, California.
Other auction items include a private round of golf with Nick Faldo and a private meet-and-greet with Manchester United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
Time: 7.30pm
Entry: Dh25,000 per table of 10; smaller bookings will be considered
Contact: 04 381 0549
Kings of Leon Live in Concert
Yas Marina Circuit
It is the gig many UAE-based fans have been waiting for. Kings of Leon finally make their Middle Eastern debut tonight.
Time: From 7.30pm
Entry: Free of charge to F1 ticket holders
Contact: www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Amber Lounge F1 party
Hilton Abu Dhabi
Eddie Irvine, Beyonce and Elton John are set to attend this end-of-season party.
Time: From 8pm
Entry: €15,000 (Dh81,695) per table
Contact: 055 291 4013
Festival planner
Wish you could go to the 2009 Doha Tribeca Film Festival? There is still time to fly out today.
There are a variety of hotels and airlines offering travel from the UAE to Qatar for reasonable prices.
Here are the some of the prices we found for a stay from October 29 to November 2 per person.
AIRLINES
Emirates Dubai to Doha from Dh2,135 www.emirates.com
Qatar Airways Dubai to Doha from Dh2,135 www.qatarairways.com
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi to Doha from Dh1675 www.etihadairways.com
HOTELS
W Doha Hotel & Residences West Bay, Doha Four nights from Dh5,192 Call: +974 453 5353
Moevenpick Hotel Doha Corniche Road, Doha Four nights from Dh3,480 Call: +974 429 1111
Mercure Grand Hotel Doha City Centre Musherib Street, Doha Four nights from Dh2,824 Call: +974 446 2222
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