Emirati Director Waleed Al Shehhi hosts world premiere of Dolphins at DIFF

Al Shehhi completes writing, shooting, producing of first feature film within 365 days

Dubai, December 14: Exactly 365 days after receiving the IWC Filmmaker Award during the 2013 edition of the Dubai International Film Festival, Ras Al Khaimah Emirati director Waleed Al Shehhi hosted the world premiere of his feature film ‘Dolphins' to a sold-out audience at DIFF. Al Shehhi also secured funding from DIFF's post-production fund Enjaaz before going on to win the IWC Filmmaker Award.

Written by Al Shehhi's long-time collaborator, Ahmad Salmeen, ‘Dolphins' stars Maree Alhalyan, Khalid Ameen, Reem Erhama, Ashjan, Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Ahmed Al Jarn, Jamal Iqbal and Mohammad Sarfaraz. Director, producer, cast and crew proudly walked the DIFF red carpet at last night's screening.

The film follows the intricately intertwined stories of three people within a twenty-four hour period.  Set in his home emirate, the film features the character Saud, an only child who struggles to come to terms with his parents' separation.

Al Shehhi will compete against some of the region's leading directors for the coveted Muhr Feature Awards. Established in 2006, the Muhr Awards aim to foster and reward artistic excellence from within the Arab world. The winners of these prestigious awards will be announced at the closing ceremony of the 11th edition of the Festival, which runs from December 10th to 17th 2014.