Leading ladies head to MEIFF

Hollywood screen legends Jane Fonda and Susan Sarandon have confirmed their attendance at the second edition of the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF), which will run from October 10 to 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Joining them will be French actresses Catherine Deneuve and former Bond girl Carole Bouquet.

And while organisers remain tight lipped about the rest of the glitterati that will walk the red carpet, rumour has it that Hollywood heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio may make an appearance for the screening of his film, Body of Lies, which will close the festival (see below for details). Around 120 films – including features, shorts and documentaries – will be screened at the Emirates Palace, along with the Abu Dhabi and Marina Malls.

"We have 22 films in feature competition, along with 40 shorts," reveals Jon Fitzgerald, Director of Programming. "There are three gala red carpet screenings, which may be increased once the final list of films are confirmed, along with a special Bollywood night gala featuring big stars."

Aside from expanding the festival to 10 days, the prize money for the Black Pearl Awards – handed out to the winners of the in-competition films has been boosted to over $1 million (Dh3.67m).
"Last year's inaugural attempt was tight on time, which is why we extended the days," Festival Director Nashwa Al Ruwaini tells Emirates Business.

"Also, last year's Film Financing Circle [an initiative to promote networking between the big players of the film world] and screenings were held simultaneously, and we received a lot of requests to separate the two. Which is why this year, the first five days are dedicated to industry professionals."

Another first this year is the inclusion of an award for Best Advertising Film. While some may question the presence of a television medium at a film festival, Al Ruwaini defends her choice, saying: "The advertising segment was added for a reason: The power of ads in our everyday lives are unmistakable, and it was time to honour those creative minds who leave a lasting impact on us."

This year's MEIFF will also see several new additions, including a section concentrating on environmental films, as well as a

showcase of documentaries highlighting the 60 years since the division of Palestine.

The festival has also announced a partnership with Cinema Verite to pay tribute to award-winning actress, Fonda for supporting social and humanitarian causes. Another tribute will honour Tunisian director Nacer Khemir to commemorate his 60th birthday with a special screening of his film, Touaq Al Hammama A Mafqoud, based on the book by Ibn Hazem.

In-between screenings, visitors will also have the opportunity to see a photographic exhibition of famed Egyptian filmmaker, Youssef Chahine. Over a hundred frames of rare pictures and artefacts will be displayed at the Emirates Palace as a special ode to the man who took Arab cinema and opened it to the world.


Unmissable films 

-- The brothers bloom: Directed by Rian Johnson. The opening night film stars Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody. Con men Stephen and Bloom have had a successful run until they take on one last job. 



-- Vicky Cristina Barcelona Directed by Woody Allen. Stars Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz and Rebecca Hall. Vicky and Cristina visit Barcelona and fall for artist Juan Antonio, who has an insane ex-wife.

-- Miracle at St Anna: Directed by Spike Lee. Stars Derek Luke and Michael Ealy. Four US soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II experience tragedy and triumph. 

-- The lucky ones: Directed by Neil Burger. Stars, Rachel McAdams and Tim Robbins. Sergeant TK Poole goes on the roadtrip of a lifetime when a blackout hits.

-- Igor: Directed by Anthony Leondis. Animation. Stars voices of John Cusack and John Cleese. An evil scientist's assistant dreams of winning the Evil Science Fair.

-- Easy virtue: Directed by Stephan Elliott. Stars Jessica Biel and Colin Firth. A race-car driver impulsively marries an Englishman, but his family has objections.

-- Body of lies: Directed by Ridley Scott. The closing night film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. A CIA operative is sent to Jordan to track down a high-ranking terrorist.