MEIFF 2008: Capital shines in spotlight

The second Abu Dhabi Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) comes to an end tomorrow, setting the bar for Arabia's other upcoming festivals, such as Cairo International Film Festival, and of course, the Dubai International Film Festival.

From major deals being made – such as the $100 million (Dh367m) deal between the Abu Dhabi Media Company's Imagenation and National Geographic Entertainment – to new stars being discovered (On A Day Like Today director Amr Salama is one to definitely watch following the rave reviews he received from regional and international press this year), there was a little bit of everything for every film fan.

Here are the other highlights of the festival.


Celebrity stakeout

It's official: Hollywood's elite have put their stamp of approval on the second outing of MEIFF, with Oscar winner Adrien Brody, Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, Sir Ben Kingsley and Meg Ryan, all spotted striking a pose on the red carpet. But they weren't alone in their dance in the spotlight; screen legends from the Arab world also made their presence felt, including Yusra, Latifa, Elham Shaheen, Safeya El Emery, Khaled Saleh and Hussein Fahmy.

If there was one complaint, then it was from the Asian fans who had to make do with a blink-and-you-miss-her appearance by Priyanka Chopra on the opening night, and the haggard looking Gulshan Grover being the only other really big name present (to promote his film Karzzzz). And we're sorry, but the likes of Dino Morea and Shweta Kumar simply don't count.


Film selection

Hollywood's ace directors Ridley Scott and Woody Allen may not have been present, but they certainly ensured their respective films held their UAE premieres at the festival. Meanwhile, Spike Lee was in the capital for his film Miracle at St Anna, alongside one of the film's stars Omar Benson Miller. However, it seemed their thunder was stolen by the country's two home productions, Henna and Al Mureed – a sign, surely, that the UAE's organic film industry has finally come of age.

This year's MEIFF also provided a platform for the 8th edition of the Emirates Film Competition with nearly 30 films showing that Arab cinema means serious business these days. Put together by EFC director Abdullah Bastaki, the selection finely showcased the country's film talent.


All for a cause

This year's MEIFF seemed big on causes, with a special section concentrating on Environmental Films, as well as a showcase of documentaries highlighting the 60 years of Palestinian division.

The Spotlight on Lebanon segment, hosted by actress Catherine Deneuve, was a touching trip down memory lane as the starlet shared her experience while filming her latest film Je Veux Voir in Lebanon.

The debate that followed was an added bonus that highlighted the current ecological disasters the country's facing due to the 2006 Israeli attacks. But what really had humanitarians cheering was the Cinema Verite initiative, which set up a platform for the first Middle East chapter of the international Women in Film and Television (WIFT) network and paid tribute to Oscar winner Jane Fonda for her dedication to social causes. As she pointed out while receiving her award: "Not everyone is privileged like me and we need to fight for the rights of those who don't have a voice that can be heard."



What's on: the rest of the fest

TODAY

- 14 Kilometres is the actual distance separating Africa from Europe. A short crossing for most, but within this space lives a world of hardships and challenges for three individuals who undertake this harrowing journey in search of paradise. Catch it: 4pm, Abu Dhabi Mall.

- Fawzia: A special Blend. For those who missed the film's premiere can catch Egypt's Elham Shaheen in Magdi Ahmed Ali's tale about a woman who marries four times and the love she imparts to all those who enter her life. Catch it: 12.30pm, Marina Mall.

- The Yellow Handkerchief. Released from prison after six years, Brett Hanson (William Hurt) crosses paths with a troubled teenager and her new "ride". The trio head out on a roadtrip of a lifetime. Catch it: 9.30pm, Emirates Palace; and tomorrow at 3.30pm, Marina Mall.


TOMORROW

- Shorts Programme. This mix of animation and experimental short films are a must for aspiring filmmakers. Films include: The Statue, Hot Dog, John and Karen, Their First Journey, The Cable Car and more. Catch them: 3.30pm, Marina Mall.

- Body of Lies. Directed by Ridley Scott. The closing night film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a CIA operative, Roger Ferris, who is sent to Jordan to track a high-ranking terrorist. The spy is aided by the head of Jordan's covert operations. Catch it: 7pm, Emirates Palace.