Diff buzz: opening night party brings the stars out

The opening night party at the 12th annual Dubai International Film Festival held at the Madinat Jumeriah Complex on December 9, 2015 in Dubai. Photo by Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images for Diff

Dubai International Film Festival 2015 has officially launched, and cinephiles thronged the opening night party on Madinat Jumeirah’s Fort Island.

Among the celebs in attendance was American actor Michael B Jordan (Creed) who was spotted hobnobbing with Dubai Film and TV Commission's Jamal Al Sharif – perhaps Rocky could be the next long-running movie franchise to follow Star Trek to Dubai?

Half Emirati director Amal Al Agroobi also casually dropped the information that she's heading to the London premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens next week.

On the industry side, Dubai Film Market Chief Samr Al Marzooqi made a welcome return to the festival too, following his stint in national service. He said he is now dedicating his time to Diff full time once again. This year’s prize for opening night festival diva behaviour, meanwhile, surprisingly goes not to a Hollywood darling or Bollywood giant. Instead, an unidentified, ticketless employee of a well-known British broadcaster tried to gain access to the party, who was overheard telling an unfortunate festival worker: “I work for the [XXXX], you know? Perhaps you don’t know what the [XXXX] is?” Miaow, and it’s only opening night.