Managing Director of DIFF Shivani Pandya and Vadim Jean. Andrew H Walker / Getty Images for DIFF
Managing Director of DIFF Shivani Pandya and Vadim Jean. Andrew H Walker / Getty Images for DIFF

DIFF reinstates Dubai Film Connection



Following last week's surprise cancellation of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, there was some better news for the region's cinephiles with DIFF's announcement that The Dubai Film Connection (DFC), the region's co-production market will return to the Dubai Film Market. Launched in 2007, the DFC raised the visibility of Arab filmmakers and stimulated the growth of independent film production in the region. Over the years, numerous past DFC projects have found critical acclaim around the world.

Shivani Pandya, DIFF Managing Director said: “We’re very excited to reinstate the Dubai Film Connection. The filmmakers and industry professionals wanted it back and we listened. By offering the right networking and support opportunities the DFC opens doors for Arab talent to promote and develop their film projects and it becomes a platform for producers and funds to find the best Arab projects ready for production.

The DFC is now open for submissions for feature-length fiction and documentary projects in development by directors of Arab nationality or origin. The co-production market introduces Arab filmmakers to regional and international film backers and organisations. Deadline for submission is August 1st, 2015 and details are available at www.diff.ae.

Enjaaz, the Dubai Film Market’s post-production and production support programme, meanwhile continues to offer backing to a further ten of the region’s filmmakers.

Joker: Folie a Deux

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson

Director: Todd Phillips 

Rating: 2/5

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
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Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

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North Pole stats

Distance covered: 160km

Temperature: -40°C

Weight of equipment: 45kg

Altitude (metres above sea level): 0

Terrain: Ice rock

South Pole stats

Distance covered: 130km

Temperature: -50°C

Weight of equipment: 50kg

Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300

Terrain: Flat ice
 

Three tips from La Perle's performers

1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.

2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.

3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.

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