The Ministry of Interior's Cinema Award

Prize Worth $100,000 is awarded for the Best Societal Screenplay

Dubai, December 17th, 2014–The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is proud to announce that the winner of the inaugural Ministry of Interior Award for Best Societal ScreenplayisEmirati filmmaker Saeed Salmeen Al Murry, for his project 'Going to Heaven'.  The inaugural Award comprises a prize of $100,000,won this year by Al Murry for his screenplay thataddresses issues regarding child welfare.

Saeed Salmeen Al Murry graduated from the New York Film Academy in Abu Dhabi.  He has directed a number of acclaimed films including the short 'BINT MARIAM', which has wonseveral regional and international awards.  His feature film 'SUNDRESS'was entered into numerous international film festivals and was also released in the UAE.  Saeed has participated as a jury member at several regional festivals and was named as a 'Filmmaker to Watch' by Digital Studio Magazine. He won the award for ‘Best Emirati Filmmaker’ at DIFF 2008.  

'Going to Heaven'is about the life of Sultan, a 10-year-old boy who exists in a world devoid of any meaningful love, tenderness or nurturing.  Living with his father, cruel stepmother and stepsister, Fatima, Sultan pines for the warm embrace of his mother. Locked in a world of loneliness, the only respite he gets from his suffering is the joy that is brought to him by his tropical fish, which his stepmother hates, and the childlike love he gets from Fatima. In spite of these short moments of happiness, his heart still yearns for his mother.

DIFF’s Artistic Director, Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “DIFF welcomes this new initiative with open arms. The choice to establish this Award confirms the power of film, its reach, scope and effectiveness at communicating with the wider society. Through this Award, filmmakers will be recognized for their valuable efforts to highlight societal issues through their films, which can only stand to benefit the industry and community.”

Lt. Col. Faisal Mohammed Al Shimmari, Vice Presidentof the Ministry of Interior’s Cinema Awardscommittee stated: “The Ministry of Interior believes cinema is a powerful platform to communicate and connect with the community in a direct and meaningful way. By establishing this Award we aim to partner with the cinema industry to raise public awareness and address issues related to society's safety and security in a prevention manner, as we endeavor to encourage action that will further improve people's safety and community life in general”.

For further information, as well as screening times and venues, Please visit the Festival’s website: www.dubaifilmfest.com.