Courtesy of Pathé Films
Dalida, the tribute biopic based on the tragic life of Egyptian-born music icon Yolanda Gigliotti, premieres today at Rendez-vous, UniFrance’s annual festival with French Cinema in Paris (January 12-16). The French film, which was directed by Moroccan producer and filmmaker Lisa Azuelos, stars Italian actress Sveva Alviti as the superstar singer who sold over 130 million records in more than ten different languages, before tragically taking her own life in 1987.
Dalida is just one of many biopics premiering this year. Jackie, a dramatization of Jacqueline Kennedy’s life, stars Natalie Portman, who was nominated as Best Actress at the 2017 Golden Globes for her realistic portrayal of the late Jackie Onassis. Another long-awaited biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, casts Egyptian actor and new face of Dior Homme Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, Queen’s lead vocalist.
This year, the feature film and motion picture offerings appear just as promising. Read Vogue’s definitive guide to which movies to watch in 2017.
Only Men Go to the Grave
Photo: Abdulla al Kaabi
This award-winning film––directed by Emirati filmmaker Abdulla al-Kaabi––revolves around three Khaleeji women who scramble to uncover buried family tensions after their blind mother suddenly dies in the midst of revealing a secret. Out now
The Worthy
Photo: Dubai International Film Festival
This wildly unpredictable thriller is set in a post-apocalyptic world where survivors struggle to stay alive and preserve what is left of their remaining water supply. The movie is directed by Emirati filmmaker Ali F. Mostafa and stars award-winning Palestinian actor Ali Suliman. February 23
Hidden Figures
Photo: Vimeo
Produced by Pharrell Williams, this movie relays the true and secret story of three women––played by Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe and Octavia Spencer––in the 1960s, who each played a pivotal role in launching NASA’s first successful space mission. February 23
Beauty and the Beast
Photo: Disney Enterprises
The Disney classic about a young woman held prisoner by a wild beast comes to life in this Hollywood adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Belle is played by Emma Watson, who also sings on the star-studded soundtrack, alongside Ariana Grande and John Legend. March 16
Snatched
Photo: 20th Century Fox
Goldie Hawn teams up with Amy Schumer in her first big role since 2002. In the comedy, a daughter, played by Schumer, persuades her ultra-conscious mother to accompany her on a trip to Ecuador, where they find themselves spontaneously kidnapped. May 12
Wonder Woman
Photo: Warner Bros. Entertainment
An Amazonian princess––played by Gal Gadot––who was trained to be an unconquerable warrior leaves her idyllic island paradise to fight alongside man in a war to end all wars. June 2
Justice League
Photo: Warner Bros. Entertainment
DC’s superheroes (Gal Gadot as Diana Prince and Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne) join forces to stand against a newly-awakened threat. The battle also sucks in Ezra Miller’s Flash, Henry Cavill’s Superman, and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman. November 17
Star Wars: Episode VIII
Photo: Lucasfilm
In this sequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rey (played by Daisy Ridley) continues her epic journey with Luke Skywalker and Finn. As the second installment of the new trilogy, the film will mark the late Carrie Fisher’s last screen appearance as Princess Leia. December 15
