DIFF: 'Zinzana', 'Bilal' lead way for 12 UAE films to feature at film fest

Two proud Emirati filmmakers will walk the red carpet at tonight’s gala screenings of ‘Zinzana’ and ‘Bilal’, taking the flag forward for organic cinema’s growth in the UAE.

The 12th edition of the ongoing Dubai International Film Festival is a landmark year, say local filmmakers, with 12 Emirati productions making it to the big screen.

These dozen films have been selected for exhibition at the Muhr Emirati Competition, with a compelling line-up includes five feature films, the most feature films ever to be selected in this category, and a further seven shorts and documentaries, all vying for the top spot.

The unprecedented number of features in this year’s category is testament to the increasing number of talented filmmakers in the UAE, explained DIFF’s Artistic Director, Masoud Amralla Al Ali.

He further stated: “Now in its 12th year, we have seen the Arab film industry and global interest in it develop at rapid pace. This year we are delighted to see the highest number of feature films ever in the Muhr Emirati category, which is tangible proof of the growth of the Emirati film industry in recent years.”

“DIFF is committed to providing a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their talent to the region and across the world and it is our hope that the intense competition for the Muhr Emirati films will continue to enrich the film industry in the Emirates and encourage young and aspiring filmmakers.”

UAE Filmmaker Ali Mostafa, who is on the Muhr Short and Gulf Short Competition Jury and a former winner of the Muhr Award for Best Emirati Filmmaker (2007), told ‘Emirates 24|7’ the inclusion of these two films was a start of things to come for UAE cinema.

He said: “Emirati cinema has developed a great deal. We have 12 Emirati films showcasing in the 12th year of the Dubai Film Festival. Pretty good, no?”

Mostafa, himself has showcased ‘City of Life’ and ‘From A to B’ at the country’s organic film festival, with both these films going on general release at UAE cinemas following the festival circuit.

 

Set in a prison cell, Emirati filmmaker Majid Al Ansari narrates the story of a man torn between his past and present as he awaits his fate in 'Zinzana'. (Supplied)

Now the mantle goes forward with the noir thriller ‘Zinzana’ and the animated film, ‘Bilal’, the latter of which stars Hollywood’s Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje in the lead.

Tonight’s ‘Bilal’ premiere will be attended by cast members Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who was last seen in ‘Game of Thrones’, and rising pop sensation Jacob Latimore, as well as members of the production team including co-director and Barajoun founder Ayman Jamal.

The red carpet gala and screening will take place at the Madinat Arena at Madinat Jumeirah.

Dubai-based Barajoun Entertainment, which has produced the animated feature directed by Ayman Jamal and Khurram H. Alavi, tells the thousand-year old story of Bilal Ibn Rabah, who is considered as the first muezzin in Mecca.

The film took three years to make, with the script was developed by multi-award-winning authors Alex Kronemer and Michael Wolfe, working alongside a team of 360 animation and CGI talents from around the world whose credits include ‘300’, ‘Shrek’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’.

Jamal said in a statement: “I am delighted that we are celebrating the premiere of ‘Bilal’, an exceptional homegrown film, at the Dubai International Film Festival this year. The film is the remarkable true story of African hero Bilal as he goes from braving oppression to becoming a noble leader and an inspiration to generations.”

Meanwhile, the highly anticipated debut feature film ‘Zinzana’ (Rattle the Cage), from Emirati director Majid Al Ansari, has been making waves in the industry.

Produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi, this neo-noir thriller is already garnering strong reviews from insiders.

Tunisian actress Hend Sabry who is serving as a jury member of the fourth annual IWC Filmmaker Award, as part of Diff, which awards $100,000 in prize money to help aspiring film makers from the Gulf take their script from page to screen, said: “Today Diff has become a platform, not just for Emirati filmmakers, but Arab cinema.

“Diff is local, but the content holds appeal and is understood by an international audience. That is the caliber of local filmmakers here today.”

When asked about the future of this movement, Sabry added: “I am meeting many women from the film industry who are doing a great job. What is emerging now is talent and scripts that are written and produced by Emirati women with strong ideas.

“We will be seeing for female filmmakers from the UAE. Mark my words.”