DUBAI, 4 September 2006 — Dubai Studio City (DSC) yesterday announced a one-day screening of films produced by Faradees, an independent non-profit film production group dedicated to promoting Emirati cinema.
The initiative is in line with DSC’s strategy to encourage local filmmakers, and offer them an opportunity to highlight their work and contribution to the development of a professional homegrown cinema industry.
Hosted at the Dubai Knowledge Village auditorium on Sept. 21, the screenings will include five short films produced in 2005-2006, comprising one experimental film titled “Celebration of Life”, and four fiction films — “Mirrors of Silence”, “Al Fustan”, “Amen”, and “Small Sky.” All the films will be subtitled in English.
The screenings will be followed by an informal and interactive workshop to encourage discussion between the filmmakers and audience, including the media.
Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, executive director of Media, Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, said: “There are several talented filmmakers in the UAE, who need support to showcase their work. As the region’s emerging film production hub, DSC is committed to developing the broadcast & film production industry in the UAE, and empowering local filmmakers.”
Jamal Al-Sharif, manager of DSC, said the new cluster will offer a complete technical and community infrastructure for the film, TV and music production sectors to enable the indigenous and international film making community.
“DSC will offer UAE talent an unprecedented opportunity to network with regional and global filmmakers, which will further enhance their experience and industry specific knowledge,” added Al-Sharif.
Nawaf Al-Janahi, a UAE director and member of Faradees Group expressed his gratitude to Dubai Studio City, and said that national filmmakers were looking forward to its initiatives with anticipation.
“Through efforts such as the one day screening, DSC will create the environment required for nurturing filmmaking talent in the UAE. It will also provide a momentum for the growth of a film industry not just in the UAE but across the Gulf region.”