Hosted by the Doha Film Institute, event draws filmmakers, industry representatives

Dubai, UAE; April 24, 2012: The Gulf region’s leading distributors and producers stressed the need to create stronger and more reliable distribution platforms for short films in the Middle East during the Gulf Film Festival’s (GFF) forum ‘Short Films: Between Filmmakers & Distributors’ hosted by the Doha Film Institute.  .

One of the most vocal sessions to date in the festival, several short filmmakers in the audience made strong cases for greater support from the industry, while distributors urged filmmakers to be more realistic and pragmatic when it comes to the commercial viability of their films.

Moderated by Samr Al Marzooqi, Manager of the Dubai Film Market, the panel featured Albers Frank (Producer – Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH); Andy Fordham (Technical & Digital Cinemas Project Director – Gulf Film); John Chahine – General Manager, Italia Film Company); Michel Kammoun (Producer/Film Director – Roy Films); and Mahi Golchin-Depala (Managing Director – Phars Films).

The participants observed that despite over 1,000 short films being produced in the Middle East every year, barely a fraction of these make it beyond the first stage of screening at festivals. Panelists and audiences also considered how the region’s short filmmakers could progress beyond this stage.

Mahi Golchin said that one of the reasons why short films do not get wider distributor networks is that they are mostly made through government funding. “The subjects these films tackle, while being impactful, are not necessarily of commercial quality, which makes film festivals their only platform for exposure.”

Filmmakers were asked to look beyond their immediate geography to narrate stories that appeal to a wider audience, which elicited mixed response from the directors, who vociferously defended their choice of subject and treatment.

Presenting a realistic sketch of the commercial viability of short films, Albers Frank observed: “If a short film makes significant news in the international film circuit – that is where its progress stops. The only way that the short film can be seen by an audience outside of a film festival is if it is sold to small television stations, which makes the idea of making money off of these movies next to impossible.”

Director Michel Kammoun put forth a suggestion to overcome the challenge that is intrinsic in the format of the short films – their length. “People would much rather pay for films that are 90 minutes long, than pay the same amount for a film that is three or four minutes. This can be overcome if short films are screened before the start of a feature film or in between two feature films.”

Andy Fordham pointed at the prevailing market acceptance for big blockbusters, and suggested a digital route to promote marketability of short films. “Most short films made in the region are of the arthouse genre, which do not tend to make money in the region. I personally believe that filmmakers, especially short filmmakers, should consider embracing the digital age, as it provides one of the lowest-cost platforms for wide exposure.”

John Chahine said that the challenge before distributors is that there are no dedicated platforms for the short films to be screened in the region. “Even if there are cinemas that screen independent films, these screens have not opened their doors for short films as yet.”

The panelists observed that partnering with cultural institutions and educational institutions to promote screenings could also help generate the buzz that will in turn promote distribution potential.

The Doha Film Institute also hosted an industry luncheon at the fifth Gulf Film Festival, which ends tomorrow.

The Investment Corporation of Dubai is the presenting sponsor of the Gulf Film Festival; Emirates airline is its official carrier. GFF is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and held in association with Dubai Studio City.  More details and updates on the festival are available online at www.gulffilmfest.com or at www.facebook.com/gulffilmfestival, www.youtube.com/gulffilmfestor @gulffilmfest on Twitter.

- FLASH Entertainment brings electro-trance superstars to the Capital on May 10th
- Allure by Cipriani nightclub at Yas Marina to host this high-energy one night only event
- Tickets on sale April 24th  from www.thinkflash.ae

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: 23 April, 2012: FLASH Entertainment and Cream today announced Gareth Emery and Sander van Doorn will be performing at Allure by Cipriani nightclub, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi on May 10th.

Gareth Emery and Sander van Doorn are two of dance musics hottest DJs, famed as much for their unique collaborations as their success in pumping dance floors around the world.

Emery is well known for his unique collaborations, which have seen him work with the likes of Ashley Wallbridge, Lucy Saunders, Emma Hewitt, Ben Gold and Christina Novelli on his latest release, Concrete Angel.

Sander van Doorn, one of the most, influential and popular DJ/Producers in dance music today, is preparing to release his latest single with Mayaeni; Nothing Inside. He has already bagged some huge remix releases with the likes of The Killers (Spaceman), Sia (The Girl You Lost To Cocaine), Robbie Williams (Close My Eyes) and Depeche Mode (Peace).

The show will be the first that FLASH have produced inside the Allure by Cipriani nightclub, at Yas Marina, and the organizers have confirmed that the existing audio and video technology, as well as layout, will be transformed to make way for the DJ superstars.

Commenting on the audio and video preparations, Lee Charteris, Director of Operations said “By enhancing the existing production technology with a bigger stage, lasers, lighting and LED screens, we will mirror the production requirements of both artists and give visitors to Allure by Cipriani an unrivalled “super club” type experience. The night is going to look and sound incredible”.

Voted Abu Dhabi’s BEST NIGHTCLUB by ‘Ahlan!’, Best in Abu Dhabi awards 2011, and already one of the hottest party spots in Abu Dhabi, Allure by Cipriani is famous for hosting A-list, sell-out DJ nights.

Ticket prices start at AED 150 for General Admission (21+). Tables in the Main Room are priced at AED 20,000 for 20 guests. Tables on the terrace range from AED 2,500 to AED 7,500. Tickets are available from www.thinkflash.ae and select Virgin Megastores in the UAE. For table bookings, call 800 FLASH. Doors open at 10:00pm.

Fans buying tickets to the Gareth Emery and Sander van Doorn club night at Allure by Cipriani can also take advantage of Yas Marina’s special weekend offer of free berths for private boats, with no limitation on size. For berth rates, bookings and further information please email Samer El Adem on yasmarina@cnmmarinas.com or view the Camper & Nicholsons Marinas website www.cnmarinas.com/yas

This is a strictly 21+ ticket holders event. Tickets go on sale midday tomorrow, Tuesday April 24th and will be available from www.thinkflash.ae  and select Virgin Megastores across the UAE. For more information on Allure by Cipriani, visit www.nightcluballure.com. For information on Yas Marina, please visit, www.cnmarinas.com/yasmarina.

Yas Island Show Weekends promises to bring some of the best acts in the world to Abu Dhabi, as well as many more surprises this year - Watch this space!

Make it a Weekend. Make it a Yas Island Show Weekend. Plan your weekend at www.yasisland.ae.

For table bookings, call 800 FLASH (35274) or visit www.thinkflash.ae

Dubai, UAE; April 21, 2012: The Dubai Public Library, owned by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, extended its support to the ‘Library Week’ at Dubai Women’s College (DWC).

Underscoring its mandate to promote the awareness of and necessity of access to literary materials, Dubai Public Library also hosted a workshop aimed at encouraging children to read and the benefits of reading on child development.

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) also hosted an array of activities at the various public libraries as part of its ‘Heritage Week’ celebrations, held under the theme ‘Dubai: Live Our Heritage.’

Castrol Goal’s regional football tournament finals come to Dubai with winners destined for UEFA Euro 2012TM Championship

Dubai, 15 April 2012 – Castrol will be kicking off the final round of its second Castrol Goal Tournament in the region in Dubai later this month, which will see one lucky winning squad to fly to Europe to watch live their favourite teams in action at the 2012 UEFA Euro championship hosted by Poland and Ukraine in June.

Eight teams from the participating cities, Amman, Abu Dhabi, Beirut,  Dubai, and others across the region will arrive in Dubai to compete against each other in the regional final, with the sole aim  of being crowned Castrol Goal Champions. The finals will take place on Friday 20 April 2012 at Dubai Ice Rink in The Dubai Mall, which will be set up like never before to host the prestigious event which is open to the public.

Alongside the action on the pitch, there will lots of pitchside entertainment to enjoy including human foosball, photobooths, digital gaming zones and freestyle football shows.

Discussing the Castrol Goal Tournament, Mohammed Samir, Regional Marketing Controller of Castrol Middle East, said, “Castrol constantly strives to create strong engagement with and reward the most passionate football fans. Our Castrol Goal tournament gives fans a platform to showcase their prowess on the football pitch, with the ultimate prize of seeing their football heroes play in this summer’s football blockbuster, Euro 2012.” 

Gordon Kirk, General Manager of Dubai Ice Rink, said: “We are honoured to host the Castrol Goal Regional Finals. The unique choice of Dubai Ice Rink as the venue for this popular football event showcases the world-class qualities the venue provides for large-scale events and underlines its popularity as a visitor attraction”.”

From its inaugural ‘kick-off’ in 2010, Castrol Goal has grown and attracted over 6,000 players from the region.

Targeting the region’s youth Castrol Goal is a 5-a-side football tournament which has run as a league, lasting for eight weeks in including UAE, Lebanon, Jordan and others from across the Middle East. The tournament kicked off in February and the qualified teams participating are ‘Daredevils’ from Abu Dhabi; ‘Diadora’ from Dubai; ‘Beirut Life’ and ‘BLC’ from Lebanon; ‘Amin Chocair’ team from Jordan, ‘Saudi Stars’ from Saudi Arabia and ‘The Carwash’ and ‘Tetris Extreme’ from Kuwait.

“The Castrol Goal Finals on Friday 20th April will be a fantastic event and we welcome everyone to come down to see the region’s best young footballers and show their passion for football and Castrol,” added Mr Samir.

Castrol is one of the key official sponsors of the upcoming UEFA Euro 2012TM tournament in Poland and Ukraine. Castrol Goal is an initiative whereby combining various football platforms primarily targeted to the youth of the Middle East countries.

Few places remain in new Manchester United Soccer Schools programme

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 17 April 2012:  As Manchester United continue their race to win the English Premiership title, young footballers with an eye for goal are being offered a chance to learn the skills displayed by Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United’s dynamic trio of strikers.

The three Old Trafford stars are the focus of a new ten-week programme by Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) in Abu Dhabi and while the course has just begun, there are a few last minute slots available to fill.

As Wayne Rooney displayed yet another masterful display against Aston Villa on Monday night, scoring two of United’s four goals, the new course, ‘Learn to Attack with Flair the United way’ will teach UAE youngsters how to perfect the striker’s skills, whose goals fired United to their 19th English league title last season.

Those who sign up for the course could earn a flying visit to Manchester for United’s final home game of the current season at Old Trafford against Swansea City on 5 May.  All youngsters taking part in the programme go into a draw to win two tickets for the home game including return flights and accommodation.

Andy Dixon, head coach at MUSS in Abu Dhabi, said: “Manchester United has a proud history of playing exciting and attacking football and we have witnessed some incredible goals from the first team players in the race to win the Premiership”. 

“All players no matter what their age enjoy scoring goals, and this new module will teach the techniques demonstrated by these three world class strikers.”

“At the same time, we place a lot of emphasis on nutrition throughout the programme, teaching the children in a classroom setting the importance of adopting a balanced, healthy diet, encouraging them to make the correct food choices as part of their daily routines, especially before and after training. 

“We really can’t stress the importance of healthy eating to the children enough.  Feedback from parents and children since MUSS launched in 2010 has been fantastic – as the children learn that what goes into their bodies produces better results on the pitch, we notice such a difference in their attitudes”.

The popularity of the MUSS programmes continues to grow since its launch in the UAE capital in 2010 in a partnership with Reem Investments, and the number of sign-ups grows with each ten-week course.  Featuring 12.5 hours of on-field coaching by certified MUSS coaches, the programme costs AED1,650 and includes an exclusive Nike Manchester United training kit and giveaway pack as well as catch-up sessions and individual player evaluation.

All players enrolled in the programme in Abu Dhabi will also take part in the MUSS series of skills challenges with the top two point scorers receiving an all expenses paid trip to Manchester to represent Abu Dhabi in the World Skills Final at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground as well as the world famous Old Trafford stadium in 2012.

Reem Investments built the Dome@Rawdhat to create a vibrant sporting community in the area.  More than 18,000 people use the facilities every month.  To learn more about the MUSS programme visit www.manutdsoccerschools.ae or call 02 449 8480.

As part of its social responsibility initiative “Because We Care”, Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) is hosting the exhibition “My Environment is My National Responsibility” at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, organized by the Ministry of Environment and Water under the theme “Life in Water”.

The exhibition forms part of the Ministry’s educational programmes to identify the importance of water in our lives and to encourage sensible consumption. The exhibition was opened today by H. E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, Dr. Mariam Al Shenasi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Water, and Manal Ataya, Director-General of Sharjah Museums Department.

The five-day exhibition, attended by a number of government bodies and companies, is a platform to enhance awareness about the importance of water in our life by highlighting the difficulties our forefathers faced to get water, and by enhancing knowledge about today’s water resources, which are mostly generated from desalinating seawater.

The event showcases the latest technologies used in preserving water, as well as a number of successful models and promising experiments carried out by municipalities and various bodies and organizations to rationalize water consumption. The exhibition will offer visitors a chance to recognize historical irrigation systems and methods of getting to enable them to draw lessons from our forefathers’ experiences with regard to the importance of the rationalization of water consumption.

Commenting on the occasion, Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, said: “SMD considers its initiative “Because We Care” as a key topic in its general policy towards the local community. SMD’s cooperation with the Ministry of Environment in organizing this exhibition comes as part of a nationwide campaign for rationalization of water consumption and is also in line with the vital role played by museums as social organizations in educating and enlightening the community about vital issues.”

“Rationalizing water consumption is among the vital topics that concern the world at large, and is an issue that must not be ignored because it is everyone’s responsibility whether they be organizations, bodies or individuals,” Ataya said.

She added that SMD is always seeking to participate in such events that would help spread awareness about civilized methods in dealing with water and aid us in adapting our daily lifestyles with practical solutions suggested by research and studies in this field, so as to encourage individuals and families to adopt balanced and rational consumption behaviour and help in bringing conscious generations in the future.

H. E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, said, “Selecting Sharjah Archaeology Museum to be the venue of this exhibition did not come out of a vacuum, since the museum demonstrates through its collections the importance of water in the lives of the UAE people for thousands of years.” The exhibition will highlight the rich history of the UAE people and how the people of Sharjah managed to best adapt to their environment over the past thousand years.

Nasser Al Darmaki, Curator of the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, said: “We are extremely happy to host this exhibition and allow the visitor to know more about the historical importance of this region in its water resources and the methods of using water resources by grandfathers on the one hand, and the modern technology and development on the other one.”

Al Darmaki said that visitors would be able to trace the map of archaeological sites in Sharjah which saw the early human inhabitants and to get to know that life in this region dates back 120,000 years at least. He added that visitors will view archaeological items and antiques spanning various stages in Al Buhais Mountain, Maliha, Al Mailah Mountains and Al Thuqaiba which are all situated on the Al Hassawi Plain, which lies in the west of the Hajar Mountains.

Visitors will also learn about how man used to extract precious drops of water from Aflaj and water wells, as well as about the earliest methods of agriculture and how man built the early agricultural villages in Sharjah during the Iron age(1300-300BC) and the settlement of nomadic population near lively oases.

• Faz’at, a group of Emirati students, is an integral part of the team
• Festival integrates special needs volunteers for the first time

Dubai, UAE; April 15, 2012: The fifth Gulf Film Festival, which closes tomorrow in Dubai, has witnessed one of its largest turnouts of volunteers in years, with more than 125 volunteers, including the active participation of Faz’at, a group of Emirati students, assisting operations across the board from protocol to guest relations and theatre operations

GFF’s diverse volunteer team includes members of all ages, starting from 15-year olds, from over 18 countries – from as far afield as Curacao in the Caribbean to Holland, Bangladesh, Philippines, Iran, Egypt, Russia, Palestine, Pakistan, Finland, Armenia, Jordan, Portugal, Canada, Africa, India, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. More than half of the volunteers are returning to the festival.

Aimed at encouraging the student community as well as film fans and members of the public, the Festival’s volunteer programme is one of the most successful community outreach programmes of GFF and DIFF.

Among the significant additions to this year’s volunteers office are the participation of the Faz’at team – an Emirati volunteering team founded by college student Mohammed Salem Al Juneibi and the involvement of special needs students.

Muna Ahmed Al Maazmi, one of the special needs students, expressed her delight at the opportunity to work on the festival, saying GFF offered the opportunity to meet the stars, and also gain knowledge on various aspects of protocol management.

Mohammed Alhousani, the Festival’s Senior Manager Human Resources and Administration, said: “The film festival is a community event that brings together people from all walks of life. Over the years, several hundred people have volunteered their time and efforts for GFF, and have benefited from the rich learning experience of putting together one of the biggest and most rewarding events in the UAE. We look forward to the strong participation of UAE residents for the Dubai International Film Festival this year too.”

The volunteer team has several stories of personal passion and dedication, said Samina Yusuf, Assistant Manager of GFF’s Volunteer Department. “We have a volunteer, Ana Veras, who works from 9 am to midnight every day, only out of her enthusiasm and passion for the festival. Shabbir Saifuddin is another volunteer who has been with us for several editions, and is the longest serving in the team.”

Co-volunteers Moza Obaid Bin Dhalam and Fatima Khalifa Al Mnaie have also said that the volunteering initiative helps them to gain valuable experience which will help them in future careers.

GFF 2012 is being held through April 16 at the Dubai InterContinental Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Grand Festival Cinemas at Dubai Festival City. The Investment Corporation of Dubai is the presenting sponsor of the Gulf Film Festival; Emirates airline is its official carrier. GFF is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and held in association with Dubai Studio City.  More details and updates on the festival are available online at www.gulffilmfest.com or at www.facebook.com/gulffilmfestival, www.youtube.com/gulffilmfestor @gulffilmfest on Twitter.

Dubai; April 14, 2012: His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, today visited the Gulf Film Festival and was received by the senior management of the festival. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah also watched the Emirati film Sea Shadow, directed by Nawaf Al Janahi and produced by Imagenation Abu Dhabi. The 5th edition of the festival is currently screening 155 films from 40 nations, including more than 40 films from the UAE, at Grand Cinemas Dubai Festival City until Monday, April 16.

Unsung heroes of the region’s film industry discuss challenges at third Gulf Nights session

Dubai, UAE; April 14, 2012: Often unsung, and seldom in the spotlight, the film professionals involved in the various production aspects of films took centrestage on Friday night at the third Gulf Nights session of the fifth Gulf Film Festival.

Festival Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali led the insightful ‘Behind the Scenes’ discussion, with cinematographer, editor and composer Ali Bin Matar (Frozen Yoghurt; Maktoob; Untruths); cinematographer Sameer Karam (Smaller than the Sky); Bahraini composer Mohammed Haddad (This is London) and art director Ahmed Hassan (Sabeel, White Coloured Elephant).

Introducing the panelists, Amralla Al Ali said that these film professionals the stars in their domain, who work behind the scenes. “These people are not in the public eye but serve as true pillars of the film industry. All the four participants have taken us by surprise with their craft and their quality of work.”

The unanimous call from all the panelists was the need to foster institutional competencies in the Gulf region to build the talent base of film professionals across different aspects of production. This was important, they said, to drive the growth of quality films in the Gulf region.

Recalling his experience in the film industry, Ali Bin Matar said that he mentored himself, one step at a time, often learning the craft by himself. “I started photography, editing and graphic design at school, and it was a gradual learning process for me. I used the internet to look up new programmes and learned by trial and error. We need to have institutions that teach the entire aspects of filmmaking, especially the work involved behind the scenes.”

Mohammed Haddad, who trained in music in Egypt, said that directors do not tend to take the concept of background music seriously. “Most of them are focused only on songs; music is an integral component of cinema. I have a passion for background music, and I prefer to work with directors who give me the space to pursue my creativity. Music enhances the quality of the image and we need to see more directorial passion for music in cinema.”

Ahmed Hassan also called for the need for directors to take art direction more seriously. “When we started working on movies, people simply did not seem to understand the concept of art direction. Behind every frame in a movie, I see an art director’s work and film directors must take art direction seriously.”

On the challenges faced by cinematographers in the region, Sameer Karam said that the UAE’s environment is very harsh. “The weather is often hazy and it takes double the effort to achieve the results we want to attain.”

All four panelists said they were passionate about their craft, which makes them experiment and also keeps them going, despite their work being regarded as ‘behind the scenes.” They also applauded the pioneering works of film veterans like Masoud Amralla Al Ali, who inspired them to see film from a different perspective.

The Gulf Nights sessions will discuss the role of GFF and its support mechanisms on April 15, 2012; the session will be presented by Delphine Garde-Mroueh.

GFF 2012 is being held through April 16 at the InterContinental Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Grand Festival Cinemas at Dubai Festival City; and through April 14 at the Abu Dhabi Theatre. The Investment Corporation of Dubai is the presenting sponsor of the Gulf Film Festival; Emirates airline is its official carrier. GFF is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and held in association with Dubai Studio City.  More details and updates on the festival are available online at www.gulffilmfest.com or at www.facebook.com/gulffilmfestival, www.youtube.com/gulffilmfestor @gulffilmfest on Twitter.

14 writers whose projects were selected say mentoring sessions helped strengthen their works

Dubai, UAE; April 14, 2012: The ambience was evocative of a movie story-telling session: Scriptwriters, who were selected for the first Gulf Script Market for Short Films, a brand-new initiative of the Gulf Film Festival, pitched their works to an audience of film directors and industry delegates, with passion and creative flair.

It was part of a three-stage process whereby the Gulf Film Festival was creating a new sounding board for the region’s film industry by fostering a professional script bank. The first step was inviting writers and filmmakers to submit their scripts.

From some 100 submissions, 14 were selected, and they went through a rigorous mentoring session led by Egyptian director and scriptwriter Mohamed Khan; award-winning Lebanese director, scriptwriter and film entrepreneur Michel Kammoun; and Bahraini author and scriptwriter Fareed Ramadan.

Following the three-day exercise, the scriptwriters returned to take the spotlight, presenting their newly polished scripts to an audience of industry professionals for potential opportunities to convert the scripts into films.

The stories narrated by the selected writers from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq and Belgium, ranged from social commentaries to surreal dramas, almost all of them drawing inspiration from everyday realities. Shaikha Al Ayali, an Emirati writer, presented her work, 563 Dirhams, about a boy who works tirelessly to raise 563 dirhams for his mother’s medicine. She said that the mentoring sessions were “heavy and very positive,” and helped her to “learn several new elements that one needs to know when writing a movie script.”

Amal Al Dowaila, another Emirati writer, who presented her script, Rain, about the intense longing for a young girl to play in the rain, said one of the benefits of the mentoring and pitching sessions of the Gulf Script Market was that they helped writers to engage with directors and industry professionals who are not ordinarily accessible to new writers. “When I first drafted the script, I envisaged it as a dream; after the mentoring sessions, I converted it into a real story. The sessions were really helpful in further strengthening the script.”

Fathiya Nasser, a Bahraini writer, who presented her script, Life, about two young men involved in an accident, said the sessions helped in tightening the script. “There were several characters in my first draft; the sessions helped me to cut the extras, and make the script crisper so that the main message could be communicated with impact and conviction.”

Mohamed Khan, one of the mentors, said that the scripts selected were ambitious and were stories that needed to be told to the world. He explained that the mentoring sessions focused on polishing the scripts, and motivating the writers to continue their good work, giving them a clearer direction of the structure.

The chosen scripts at the Gulf Script Market are: 563 Dirhams by Shaikha Al Ayali, Light Goes to Bed by Yousef Ibrahim, Rain by Amal Al Dowaila and Transit by Marwan Alhammadi – the only English script (all from the UAE); Cholo by Muzna Almusafer, Valley Girl by Amal Alsibaei and Al Kashaf by Samaa Isaa (all from Oman); Cotton by Luay Fadhil and Street Memories by Hashim Al-Efari (both from Iraq); The Clown by Hussam Alhulwah and Abd Al Muhsen Al Dhaban; and Ghashwa by Salma Bukhamseen (both from Saudi Arabia); Life by Fathiya Nasser (Bahrain); The Crucified by Khalid Al Mahmoud (Qatar) and Baghdad Sport Club by Sahim Omar Kalifa (Belgium).

The pitching session was followed by an open interaction between the industry professionals and the writers, with several pertinent concerns raised. One of the issues raised by directors who attended the session was the difficulty in finding child actor talent for the scripts, given that several of them had children or youngsters as protagonists.

Paired with the Festival’s existing US$250,000 Enjaaz annual production fund for Gulf short films, the Gulf Script Market for Short Films creates a holistic, end-to-end support programme for emerging and established scriptwriters, directors, and other film talent from the region.

GFF 2012 is being held through April 16 at the InterContinental Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Grand Festival Cinemas at Dubai Festival City. The Investment Corporation of Dubai is the presenting sponsor of the Gulf Film Festival; Emirates airline is its official carrier. GFF is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and held in association with Dubai Studio City.  More details and updates on the festival are available online at www.gulffilmfest.com or at www.facebook.com/gulffilmfestival, www.youtube.com/gulffilmfestor @gulffilmfest on Twitter.