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.
cnewbould@thenational.ae
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
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Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
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