HOW IT IS KNOWN, AUTUMN IN THE ARAB EMIRATES - THIS TIME IS NOT ONLY EXTREMELY SATURATED BUSINESS ACTIVITY, BUT AND CULTURAL LIFE. CONCERTS, EXHIBITIONS, INTERNATIONAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS, SHOWS, PRESENTATIONS AND, OF COURSE, FILM FESTIVALS.
Traditionally, in October, more precisely, from October 11 to 20, the sixth international film festival Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) was held in the UAE capital, which has already become one of the most important cultural events in the Abu Dhabi calendar. As in previous years, the festival program was extremely interesting and eventful. The “cream” of world cinema and the most interesting works of Arab directors were shown to film screeners and representatives of regional and international media. I’ll touch on this topic further, but for now I’ll note that, despite the fact that ADFF was not the first time in the capital of the Emirate, there were many positive innovations at the festival.
Firstly, during the entire existence of ADFF, the emirate, Ali Al Jabri, became its new director. Secondly, this year the organizers of the festival held the first “Family Day” (Family Day) within its framework. Thirdly, the large media company Twofour54, based in Abu Dhabi, was involved in organizing and managing the festival and, it must be said, very successfully.
And finally, for the first time I was lucky enough to attend ADFF not as a mere spectator, but as a journalist, representing one of the largest publishing houses in the UAE, Russian Emirates. This provided me with a great opportunity to look behind the scenes of film festivals and get to know this wonderful world of cinema art.
New trends
38-year-old Ali Al Jabri is familiar with the film industry firsthand. He is a professional theater and film actor. He began his career playing in the theater when he was only 14 years old. Before moving to the cinema, he managed to work with such famous Arab theater directors as Jawad Al Asadi, Uni Carrumi and Naji Al Hai. Since 2001, Al Jabri has starred in many short and feature films. His breakthrough was the role in the film "The Circle" (The Circle) of the Emirate director from Abu Dhabi - Navafa Al Janahi. The film was very well received by both viewers and film critics. The latter described it as "an important turning point in the development of cinema in the UAE and the Gulf region."
Al Jabri is known not only as an actor, but also as a director. Today, he is the creator of such films as: “Smoke”, “Solo”, “Consultant” and “Calendar”, which were shown and exhibited at major regional film festivals.
According to Al Jabri, this year's festival was the best in its history. Not only because he was visited by world-famous movie stars, for example, Richard Gere and Claudia Cardinale, but also because the ADFF organizers received, literally, hundreds of applications for participation from directors from around the world, both beginners and already quite famous.
World movie stars
Thanks to ADFF, Abu Dhabi was once again the center of attention for filmmakers and moviegoers from around the world. The festival was opened by the film Arbitration, the producer of which was Saudi film producer Muhammad Al Turki, who successfully "builds bridges" between East and West and creates a stable reputation both in Hollywood and in the world of Arabian cinema.
Al Turki came to the festival with film director Nicholas Jareki and actors Richard Gere and Nate Parker. This event was a great start for a 10-day cinema marathon. In addition to them, the cinema legend - the famous Italian actress Claudia Cardinale, Indian actor, producer and philanthropist Mammutti, Iranian actress Golshifte Farahani and many others became special guests of the grand opening of the festival.
Extensive and exciting program
This year, 81 feature films and 74 short films from 48 countries were shown at ADFF. Filmmakers from Russia and Georgia presented their work from the CIS countries. In particular, it was the documentary "Anton is Nearby" directed by Lyubov Arkus (Russia); artistic "Treason" by Kirill Serebrennikov (Russia); the short “Feet - Atavism” by Mikhail Mestetsky (Russia) and the artistic “Keep Smiling” by Rusudan Chkony (Georgia). The festival prizes were awarded in the categories: Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary, Best Film in the New Horizons Category, Best International Short, and Best Emirates (Emirates) Film).
In the framework of the special program "In the Spotlight - South Korea", seven films about South Korea were shown. In addition, a special addition was included in the festival program in the form of showing ten works by Algerian filmmakers. They were dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the independence of Algeria.
The list of films that were screened as part of the showcase show program included 25 of the best cinemas in the world. One of them, in the end, was awarded the prize of audience sympathy. In particular, I enjoyed watching such long-awaited premieres as Arbitrage, End of Duty, Flying, Great Expectations, Shine and Treason. Participants and spectators of the festival were able to see such classic masterpieces as the Lawrence of Arabia in 1962, the 20,000 ice under water of 1954 and the Singing in the Rain of 1952. These tapes have been refurbished and featured in improved quality. Also, this year, separate film screenings were held for women and families with children. Within the framework of the programs “Ladies' Screenings” and “Family Day”, films with the corresponding themes were presented, which were equally interesting to women and families who came to the festival.
Facts and Figures
Applications for the competitive screening of feature films in ADFF came this year from 3 thousand filmmakers. Of these, 81 films were selected (8 world premieres and 3 international): 62 feature films and 19 documentaries. Applications for the competitive screening of short films came from 1,600 filmmakers. Of these, 74 films were selected (5 world premieres and 5 international): 28 took part in the short film competition, 45 in the Emirate film competition, 1 was shown in the Special Program category.
Perfect organization
The two main ADFF venues were the famous Presidential Palace Hotel Emirates Palace and the numerous VOX Cinemas cinema halls located in the large metropolitan shopping center Marina Mall.
For the efficient and well-coordinated work of the media, that is, for us, journalists, all the necessary conditions were created that we could only dream about. Access to film and photo materials was provided instantly. The press center was equipped with everything necessary for a writing fraternity. The presence of special rooms with soundproofing made it possible to retire to write operational information. There were unlimited opportunities for interviews with newcomers, famous and aspiring actors, directors and other actors in the film industry.
The organizers did not forget about the simple but important needs of journalists - the needs of logistics. Each day, pen workers could reinforce their strength with a delicious lunch at one of Emirates Palace's fine restaurants. It was possible to get to the cinema with the help of comfortable mini-buses, continuously plying between the hotel palace and the Marina Mall. In the hotels where the journalists lived, they were delivered patiently waiting at the exits for luxury cars Mercedes Benz and Lexus. I will not be mistaken if I say that for many, work at the festival very quickly turned into pleasure. At least that was it for me. This happened not only thanks to the thoughtful and clear structure of the festival created by the organizers, but also the selfless help of hundreds of volunteers. I look forward to the next festival in Abu Dhabi in the new year! What pleasant surprises will he prepare for us?
