Retrospective of Sabah's work at Dubai film fest

A retrospective celebrating the career of Lebanese actress and singer Sabah is among the highlights at this year's Dubai International Film Festival.

The series coincides with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ to the 82-year-old veteran.

Festival Chairman Abdulhamid Juma said: “In her own inimitable way, Sabah has influenced generations of film-lovers and inspired aspiring talent to pursue their dreams. The retrospectives at DIFF will highlight how she won over audiences and made her distinct imprint.”

Known popularly as Sabah, Jeanette Gergi Fighali is one of the Arab world’s most prolific and popular actresses and singers. DIFF 2010 will screen two of her critically acclaimed films, "Joz Merati" (My Wife’s Husband) (1961) and "Leila Baka Fiha El Qamar" (1980).

"Joz Merati" (My Wife’s Husband), a 1961 film, features a typically vivacious and dynamic performance from Sabah. It is a comedic yet melodramatic love story of a woman torn between husbands. Leila (Sabah) is married to a hopeless loser, Ahmad (Omar Hariri). It’s a volatile, tempestuous relationship not helped by Ahmad’s continuous infidelity. The film will be screened on December 16 at DIFF’s newest outdoor venue, The Walk at JBR, preceding a concert with the Lebanese diva Rima Khcheich.

The story of a famous singer, Hanan, who meets Ahmad when she finds herself stranded with car trouble is the theme of Leila Baka Fiha El Qamar. Hoping to live his dream of establishing a theatre through the famous singer’s success, Ahmad marries Hanan. Over time, Ahmad begins to despise the life he lives with Hanan. After Ahmad commits adultery, Hanan leaves Ahmad, and uses her pain to create some of her greatest songs. The film will screen on December 13 at Cinestar, Mall of the Emirates.

Tickets can be purchased at DIFF 2010 box offices in Mall of the Emirates, Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the CNN Building in Dubai Media City, or through www.dubaifilmfest.com.

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