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29 March 2024

Diff red carpet to star Emily Blunt, John Abraham, Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor, John Abraham and Emily Blunt. (Supplied)

Published
By Sneha May Francis

From presenting distinguished storytellers from around the globe to hosting glamorous galas, to introducing the region’s top film talent, the 11th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) will bring eight days of world class cinema to the desert city. 

The headliners for this year’s gala line-up were announced on Wednesday, with the biopic on the Stephen Hawking ‘The Theory of Everything’ set to open the fest on December 10.

Based on his wife Jane Hawking’s memoir ‘Travelling to Infinity – My Life with Stephen,’ the film is directed by James Marsh. The fun musical ‘Into the Woods’ that blends children’s classics Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel will close the fest. DIFF will showcase 118 films from 48 countries in 34 languages of which 55 will be world premieres.

‘Bokra The Film’, a feature -length documentary on the evolution of the charity song ‘Tomorrow-Bokra,’ and the broader impact of the arts on the lives of disadvantaged youth, will make its world premiere on the closing night of  December 17 at the Madinat Souk Theatre.

“DIFF has helped introduce new audiences to Arab cinema, fostering talent and welcoming the industry’s greatest directors, producers, writers and actors. I’m proud to say that DIFF has contributed to putting the region’s film industry on the global map,” said Abdulhamid Juma, chairman of DIFF.

Emily Blunt will join the jury to select the third IWC Filmmaker Award, who will walk away with $100,000 cash prize on December 11.  Apart from Blunt, Olga Kurylenko, John Abraham, Anil Kapoor and Yilmaz Erdogan will glam up the DIFF red carpet.

Arab celebs Nour El-Sherif, Samir Sabir, Laila Taher, Baseem Yakhour and Jamal Suliman will be among the many who will make a splash. Ali F Mostafa, Khalid Albudoor and Layla Abdullah will represent the GCC and UAE.

During the opening ceremony, the Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Egyptian actor Nour El-Sherif for his cinematic journey that spanned five decades and over 100 films.

Movie goers can also enjoy free screenings at The Beach, JBR. The movies will be screened at Madinat Jumeriah Arena, Madinat Jumeirah, Souk Madinat Jumeriah and Vox Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates.

Tickets will be available at DIFF box office which will open online ticketing on November 28 at www.dubaifilmfest.com