DUBAI // Dubai International Film Festival 2016 drew to an intergalactic close on Wednesday night as the red carpet was flooded with storm troopers, imperial guards, and even an ewok for the regional premiere of Rogue One: A Star Wars story, the festival’s closing film.
The closing night movie was preceded by this year’s Muhr awards, which saw Abdullah Alkaabi pick up the award for Best Emirati feature, for his controversial film Only Men Go to the Grave, a film tackling issues including gender and sexuality in the wake of the Iran/Iraq war.
The big stars of the red carpet were, in fact, not the celebrities in attendance, but Dubai’s dedicated Star Wars fans, who arrived en masse in full costume brandishing light sabers and blasters. Lenny Abrahamson, director of last year’s opening film, the Oscar-winning Room, joked “I’m easy to spot - I’m the one not dressed as a storm trooper.”
Rogue one director Garth Edwards said via video message “I’m sorry I can’t be there with you tonight, but I want to say what an honour it is to be the closing film of the Dubai film festival. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it. May the force be with you.”
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MATCH INFO
Iceland 0 England 1 (Sterling pen 90 1)
Man of the match Kari Arnason (Iceland)
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – Rally schedule:
Saturday: Super Special Spectator Stage – Yas Marina Circuit – start 3.30pm.
Sunday: Yas Marina Circuit Stage 1 (276.01km)
Monday: Nissan Stage 2 (287.92km)
Tuesday: Al Ain Water Stage 3 (281.38km)
Wednesday: ADNOC Stage 4 (244.49km)
Thursday: Abu Dhabi Aviation Stage 5 (218.57km) Finish: Yas Marina Circuit – 4.30pm.
Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
