Dubai International Film Festival begins looking for volunteers

DIFF now seeking temporary staff to help deliver a fantastic festival this year.

The DIFF team at last year's festival. Courtesy DIFF

Film fans have a chance to be part of the region's leading celebration of cinema as Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) starts hiring voluntary temporary staff for its 11th edition. Mohammed Alhousani, DIFF's senior manager, human resources and administration, said: "Those who have joined us in the past have received invaluable hands-on experience, with many choosing to return for multiple editions. We very much look forward to welcoming the talented and enthusiastic teams who will help us deliver a fantastic festival." Shreya Radia, who worked in the marketing and events department last year, said: "It was such a great experience to be part of DIFF and contribute to the success of the festival. I can truly say I learnt something new every single day." Applicants must be over 21 and UAE nationals or residents. They can apply at www.diff.ae. – WAM

Finding Fanny team to remake runaway success

The Finding Fanny director Homi Adjania, producer Dinesh Vijan and Fox Star Studios are joining forces again to make the Indian adaptation of the hugely successful book and movie The Fault in Our Stars. The film, about two terminally ill teenagers, was made on a budget of only US$12 million (Dh44m), but earned more than $300m at the box office worldwide. Casting for the Indian remake is under way, and shooting is due to begin in March next year. – The National staff

Lady Gaga feeling positive and ‘centred’

Lady Gaga says things are looking up after having hip surgery and parting ways with her long-time manager Troy Carter. "I'm very centred now. I meditate a lot. I'm happy. I am more sober than I've ever been," said the singer, who performed in Dubai this month. "It's a very happy time in my life. Part of what was making my sort of artistic experience so unpleasant was that I felt that I was not able to truly freely fly as an artist. In some ways my talents were not being used to their full potential." She said her happier state of mind in part comes from working with the veteran singer Tony Bennett on their duets album Cheek to Cheek, which is out on Tuesday. – AP

Doug E Fresh weeps at hip-hop awards ceremony

Doug E Fresh, dubbed "The Human Beat Box", wept as he received the I Am Hip-Hop Award at the ninth BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta on Saturday, as a picture of his mother appeared on a large screen behind him. Fresh told the crowd that his mother, who had Alzheimer's disease, died five months ago. "I have to acknowledge her," Fresh said. "I want to thank this woman and hip-hop. If it wasn't for hip-hop, I don't know where I would be." He also thanked those who had helped him throughout his career. – AP