Resounding success as 11th DIFF closes its curtains

Region’s Leading Film Festival once Again Attracted Top Talent from the UAE, Region and the Rest of the World 

Dubai, December 18, 2014 – The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has wrapped on the 11th edition after an action-packed, spectacular 8-day event. From the international celebrities who walked the red carpet and the world’s best directors and producers, to the incredible filmmakers from the UAE and across the region: the 11th DIFF attracted the industry’s brightest and best. 

The 11th DIFF drew to a close with a Red Carpet Gala Screening of Rob Marshall’s humorous musical ‘Into the Woods’, starring Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick and Chris Pine. The film blends classic stories from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel into a tale that delighted and enthralled the VIP audience.

Abduhamid Juma, Chairman, DIFF, said: “DIFF has put Dubai, the UAE and the region on the world’s film map. We are delighted to see so many key works being written, shot, directed and produced by our own filmmakers, who push the boundaries of their industry. These past 8 days have shown just how enthusiastic, dedicated, and worthy all of our participants are. We are proud to say that we have been able to support these filmmakers on their journey to success and will continue do to so steadfastly in the future, especially given the success of the inaugural Dubai Distribution Programme. I wish all working in the regional cinematic industry the very best of luck for their upcoming projects, and hope to see their work at next year’s 12th edition of DIFF.”

During the closing ceremony, a number of winners were presented with coveted prizes. The Young Journalist Award, supported by Gulf News, was presented by Mohammed Al Mezel, Managing Editor of the UAE’s largest English daily newspaper to Mais Al Amouri from the American University of Sharjah for her outstanding skills during coverage of DIFF. The People’s Choice Award was presented by Abulhamid Juma to Samba, directed by Oliver Nakache and Eric Toledano, - in an honour chosen by DIFF audiences. 

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, DIFF Artistic Director, said: “The caliber of entries we have seen at this year’s DIFF is outstanding – these writers, directors, producers and filmmakers are a real credit to their industry. I have seen first-hand over the past editions of the Festival how the productions being put forward have gained artistic merit, cinematic credibility and continued to win worldwide acclaim; and I’m proud to have been part of this journey.”

The hotly-contested Muhr Awards winners were announced at a glittering reception at the iconic Burj Al Arab; receiving their prizes from His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Emirati filmmaker Saeed Salmeen Al Murry won the inaugural Ministry of Interior Award for Best Societal Screenplay, taking home $100,000 for his work ‘Going to Heaven’, which focusses on child welfare. Muhr Emirati winners included Mohammad Swaidan for ‘The Confession’, winning Best Jury Prize; and Aisha Alzaabi for ‘The Other Dimension’, winning Best Film. Best Jury Prize in the Muhr Shorts category went to Sahim Omar Kalifa for ‘The Deebad Hunter’, while Best Film went to Hinde Boujemaa for ‘…and Romeo Married Juliette’. Best Jury Prize in the Muhr Feature category was awarded to Salim Abu Jabal for ‘Roshmia’; while Best Non-Fiction Film went to Nujoom Al Ghanem for ‘Nearby Sky’; and Best Fiction Film was won by Khadija AL Salami for ‘I am Nojoom Aged 10 and Divorced’.

The Awards were established in 2006, to foster and reward artistic excellence from within the Arab world and beyond. The coveted prize award funds that have been used to create some of the globe’s most unique films.

DIFF was established in 2004 mandated to propel the burgeoning film industry in the UAE and wider region, bringing together international film experts and giving homegrown filmmakers the chance to gain exposure for their work. The Dubai Film Market (DFM) launched in 2007, to support local and regional Arab filmmakers; providing all-important funding for their work, networking opportunities, distribution and support.