Ten Arab feature films will be premiered at the upcoming 7th edition of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF), which will also host debut films by nine Arab film directors.
“At ADFF we make a point of having Arab cinema compete head-to-head with international films. This is why we show Arab films alongside international productions in the main competitions. As well as bringing the best of world cinema to the UAE, it’s our mission to show the world the best of Arab cinema,” explained Ali Al Jabri, the festival’s Director.
The festival will also welcome Palestinian actress and director, Hiam Abbass, for the world premiere of Ghazi Albuliwi’s feature, Peace After Marriage. Habbass is both a jury member and winner of this year’s Black Pearl Career Achievement Award, a prize that pays homage to her lifetime body of work.
Amongst its made in the Middle East program features, ADFF will host the premiere of the long-awaited UAE production, Djinn, directed by American filmmaker, Tobe Hooper, and produced by the Abu Dhabi-based company, Image Nation. Also in the Narrative Competition is the Middle East Premiere of The Rooftops by Algerian film director, Merzak Allouache, the only Arab film selected for this year’s international competition at the Venice Film Festival.
The ADFF is keen to support debut filmmakers to help them on their road to success. “Due to the work of several funding institutions in the region like SANAD, projects have had a workable industry budget and a long, carefully planned preparation period which has allowed filmmakers to fully develop their ideas,” explained Al Jabri. “This is arguably the best year yet,” concluded ADFF’s Director.
The Abu Dhabi Film Festival opens October 24th and runs until November 2nd.
—Elisabeta Tudor
