Arab Film Studio adds contest for writers
Image Nation Abu Dhabi is expanding its Arab Film Studio initiative by adding a scriptwriting section to its existing narrative and documentary programmes.
The new section – in partnership with Dubai Film Market, the industry arm of the Dubai International Film Festival – is a five-month learning programme that will include a three-week intensive workshop focusing on all aspects of scriptwriting – from story concept to character development.
This will be followed by a three-month assignment, in which participants will create a short-film screenplay using their newly learnt skills. The winning entrant will receive a Dh100,000 prize, while Dubai Film Market will also offer masterclasses and meeting opportunities with industry professionals at Diff in December.
The contest is open to all citizens or UAE residents. Entries can be submitted in Arabic or English. Visit www.imagenationabdhabi.com for more details. – The National staff
Fitoor actor gives co-star a lorry-load of roses
Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapur gave his Fitoor co-star Katrina Kaif a lorry-full of roses to celebrate International Rose Day (no, we didn't know that was a thing, either) on Sunday.
Kapur said that he thought this would be a perfect gesture to make Kaif feel special.
Fitoor, which is out in the UAE on Thursday, is directed by Abhishek Kapoor and also stars Tabu and Akshay Oberoi. – IANS
More glory for The Revenant
Director Alejandro Inarritu added to The Revenant's pre-Oscars buzz by picking up the Directors Guild of America Award for best feature film at the weekend – his second victory in a row, after winning last year for Birdman.
The DGA winner has historically been a front-runner for the best director gong at the Academy Awards – as was the case last year. This year’s Oscars are unusually open, however, with the three main Hollywood guilds disagreeing over which film deserved the top prize.
The actors guild previously chose the Michael Keaton-starring Spotlight for its top award, while producers opted for the Brad Pitt/Steve Carell/Ryan Gosling/Christian Bale financial comedy-drama The Big Short, which closed last year's Dubai International Film Festival. – Reuters
Anger over Jackie Chan bus stunt in London
Jackie Chan completed shooting of his movie Kung Fu Yoga in Dubai without any major problems, but people in London were less impressed by location shooting for his follow-up film.
There were criticisms from some that a stunt for The Foreigner, co-starring former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan, had brought back bad memories of the July 7 2005 terrorist attacks, when filmmakers blew up a bus on Lambeth Bridge.
Locals took to Twitter to complain that not enough warning had been given to residents.
The filmmakers said that notices had been posted in surrounding buildings, while the Ports of London Authority said the area had been closed to the public while the film shooting took place. – AP
Inside Out is big winner at Annie Awards
Pixar's Inside Out had a big night at the weekend's 43rd Annie Awards in LA, which celebrate the best in animated entertainment.
The film won 10 awards altogether, including best animated feature, best director for Pete Docter, best screenplay for Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley, and outstanding achievement in voice acting for Phyllis Smith, who voiced Sadness.
The wins further solidify Inside Out as the Oscar favourite. The Good Dinosaur earned Pixar an 11th Annie award, for best animated effects in an animated movie.
Another Academy Awards favourite, The Revenant, earned outstanding character animation in a live production, for the bear that attacks Leonardo DiCaprio's character. – AP