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THE WAIT IS over ladies and gentlemen and the Dubai International Film Festival once again returns to the emirate celebrating five years of ‘bridging cultures, meeting minds.’ One of the most important film festivals in the Arab world, DIFF will provide a platform, notably for Arab, Asian and African cinema, to showcase films, invite discussion and compete for the festival’s top prizes. International films are also on their way in order to create a more rounded event and with them come a whole host of international stars to generate an atmosphere that will once again aim to rival Cannes and Toronto. For those of you looking to take in the week-long event but are not in the know as to what’s what here is how the festival competition works. The Dubai International Film Festival introduced the Muhr Awards for Excellence in Cinema in 2006 with the aim of recognising Arab filmmakers both regionally and internationally. The 2008 edition of DIFF will introduce the categories of Asia/Africa to honour the craft of filmmakers from outside the Arab region.

The new Muhr categories will recognise the perseverance and talent of Asian and African filmmakers in addition to the Arab professionals. The Muhr Awards competition awards more than US$ 500,000 in cash prizes to the winners, who are carefully selected by a prestigious international jury. The films are first split up into two regions: Arab and Asia/Africa. Then they are divided into the three sub-categories of feature, documentary and short. Within each sub-category are prizes including Best Film, Best Actor and Best Actress to be decided by the panel of international judges. Films from outside these regions and those from the region but were not put forward for competition will also form an integral part of the proceedings. Showing throughout the festival they will provide a flavour of something for everyone and contribute to an eclectic celebration of all types of film and cultures. Films that come under the categories of ‘In focus-Italy’, to ‘Cinema of the World’, including the widely acclaimed ‘Chevolution’, will satisfy even the most discerning film fan’s desires. A special treat for Monty Python admirers will be the lifetime achievement award for Terry Gilliam and subsequent showings of his two cult hits, ‘Brazil’, and ‘Twelve Monkeys’. Animation, musicals and cinema for children are all taken care of this year as well as the blockbuster Gala screenings for celebrity hunters.

Kicking off the festivities today will be the red carpet event and gala screening of Oliver Stone’s latest politically charged offering, ‘W’. Stone first came to the fore with features centred on the Vietnam War in which he participated as an infantry soldier in the late sixties. Critical success came in the form of academy awards for his films ‘Platoon’ and ‘Born on the Fourth of July’, but it is probably the controversy surrounding his historical thriller ‘JFK’ and crime piece ‘Natural Born Killers’ that has gleaned the most publicity and given Stone somewhat of an unconventional reputation.

‘W’ is a satirical biographical film based on the life and presidency of George W. Bush and stars Josh Brolin as the soon to be ousted President. Stone reportedly compares his goal for ‘W’ to the approach of ‘The Queen’ and his own ‘Nixon’. Opening in the States on October 17, the film received a mixed bag of reviews with audiences being split almost fifty-fifty in their opinions. The actors have generally been credited with having given solid performances but some critics have labelled the film an extended impersonation rather than a biography. Nevertheless ‘W’ is sure to be a popular especially in this region so make sure you get your ticket early for the public performance.

For your ultimate guide to what you want to see over the coming festival don’t forget to catch our comprehensive previews of all the day’s films and where you will find them every day this week in City Times.

Arab Muhr Awards:

· Feature Films Category:

· Best Film ($50,000)

· Special Jury Prize ($40,000)

· Best Actor ($10,000)

· Best Actress ($10,000)

· Best Screenplay ($7,000)

· Best Editor ($7,000)

· Best Composer ($7,000)

· Best Cinematographer ($7,000)

Documentary Films Category:

· First Prize ($40,000)

· Second Prize ($25,000)

· Special Jury Prize ($25,000)

Short Films Category:

· First Prize ($30,000)

· Second Prize ($15,000)

· Special Jury Prize ($15,000)

Asia/Africa Muhr Awards:

· Feature Films Category:

· Best Film ($50,000)

· Special Jury Prize ($40,000)

· Best Actor ($10,000)

· Best Actress ($10,000)

· Best Screenplay ($7,000)

· Best Editor ($7,000)

· Best Composer ($7,000)

· Best Cinematographer ($7,000)

Documentary Films Category:

· First Prize ($40,000)

· Second Prize ($25,000)

· Special Jury Prize ($25,000)

Short Films Category:

· First Prize ($30,000)

· Second Prize ($15,000)

· Special Jury Prize ($15,000)

Growth

YEAR 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Total films screened 76 98 114 142 179 + 1 surprise
Countries represented 27 46 47 52 66
World Premieres 1 6 2 15 19
International Premieres 1 7 16 5 9
Middle East Premieres 13 38 34 74 99
Gulf Premieres 31 22 16 29 33
No. of pub screenings 102 187 201 222 304
Panels & Workshops 1 7 9 13 22

Tickets

All regular screenings: Dhs 25 (20 for students presenting valid student ID)

The 25 TIX Deal: Dhs 500 Twenty-five regular price tickets for the price of twenty. (Excludes Galas and Rythm and Reels)

The 10 TIX Deal: Dhs 225 Ten regular price tickets for the price of twenty. (Excludes Galas and Rythm and Reels)

Day pass: Dhs 300 Equivalent to 20 tickets; one per film, for unlimited screenings before 6pm throughout the festival.

The Red Carpet Gala Screenings: Dhs 80 per ticket for adults except opening night. Cinema for Children Gala; all tickets Dhs 50.

The Red Carpet Deal: Dhs 375 One Ticket for each of the Red Carpet Gala screenings between Dec 13-17 (does not include Children’s Gala)

Rhythm & Reels at DMC Outdoor Amphitheatre: Dhs 50-200 depending on event

Screen on the green at DMC: FREE

Tickets are available at DIFF box offices, online and by phone.

Box office locations:

Dubai Media City, CNN Building Lobby
November 27 - December 11: 10am to 6pm
December 12 - December 17: 10am to 10pm
December 18: 10am to 6pm

Madinat Theatre (located in Souk Madinat):
December 11 - December 17: 10am to 11pm

Mall of the Emirates Cinestar:
November 27 - December 11: 10am to 9pm
December 11 - December 17: 10am to 11pm
December 18 - December 20: 10am to 7pm

Grand Cinemas Festival City:
November 27 - December 14: 10am to 9pm
December 15 - December 17: 10am to 11pm
December 18 - December 20: 10am to 7pm

Madinat Arena:
Open 1 hour prior to Gala screening time

Rhythm & Reels Events:
The Box Office for this event is located at Dubai Media City, CNN Building Lobby.

Buying tickets on the day

You may purchase tickets on the day of any screening, online or by phone until one hour prior to start time. Tickets are also available at any of the venue Box Office locations.

Stand-by seating

Screenings listed as “Stand-By” are not necessarily sold out. Simply go to the theatre and join the “Stand-by” queue. Starting from 15 minutes before the film starts if there are any empty seats in the cinema additional tickets may be released.

david@khaleejtimes.com