The first in the series of ‘DIFF Film Nights' at Maraya Art Centre shines the spotlight on shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers

Dubai, April 27th, 2014: Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) and the Maraya Art Centre are teaming up once again to offer audiences a unique chance to experience the work of up-and-coming student filmmakers on Saturday, May 3rd 6:30 pm. The line-up of short films will be free to the public and will take place at Al Qasba in Sharjah which films allow audiences to sample debut work from some of the region’s most interesting neophyte artists.

The 8 short films are produced by promising and exceptional student talents from different parts of the region, including the UAE, Kuwait, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, DIFF’s Artistic Director, said: “The “DIFF Film Nights” is a great opportunity for audiences to experience the far horizon of Gulf film; new artists, experimental techniques, and fresh attitudes toward Gulf society and culture. The subject matter of the films is incredibly diverse, showing the range of interests and concerns of the young generation living in the Gulf, as well as their hopes and aspirations.”

“Impurity”, from Kuwaiti filmmaker Ahmed Al Terkait, follows a young girl who sets out in search of her lost sister into a world shrouded in gloom and hatred. Saudi Arabia’s Nawaf Alhoshan's short “Just A Picture” won the Special Jury Prize winner at GFF last year and also screened at DIFF focuses on three men who go to the desert to take a picture. However, the photographer abandons two of them in the middle of the scorching desert. 

Filmmakers Timo Von Gunten and Jawaher Al Sudairy present “Eastern Winds” a compelling short that paints a picture of the political and social struggles that came to be known as the Arab Awakening as young protesters called for government reform, economic opportunity and political freedom. 

Saudi Arabian writer and director Abdulrahman Jerash’s thought provoking film “A Promise” explores the parts of our life that remain in our memory, while other parts keep us in the memory of others.

Emirati media student Eman Al Barakani presents “The Signature” which revolves around creative student Sara who stays back at college till late to work on her project. Her secret causes strange things to happen.  Taking the top prizes at GFF 2013, Best Film and Best Student Director and also from the UAE Ebrahim Al Rasbi’s “Moments” has won international acclaim at Festivals around the world. His film focuses on two individuals reminiscing about their deceased friend and the stories they share about him.

Iraqi filmmaker Khaled Al Bayati’s "Balloons" scooped the award for Best Emerging Talent at the Gulf Film Festival in 2013 and offers a glimpse into the world of a balloon seller. Also from Iraq Hussein al-Maliki film “Slow Death”, the television is shown to be a device that brings about the death of identity.

The evening, open to adults over 18 for free will celebrate the talents of the Gulf regions growing young filmmaker community and will start at 6:30 pm.

Venue: Maraya Art Centre, Al Qasba, Sharjah
Block (E), First Floor
(Maraya Community)

Date: 3rd May 2014 
Time: 6:30 pm