Oscar-nominated writer, director and producer Lee Daniels will head the jury for the 11th Dubai International Film Festival's prestigious Muhr Feature Competition.
His most recent film was the box-office hit The Butler (2013), which starred Forrest Whittaker, Oprah Winfrey and Mariah Carey. He also produced and directed the critically acclaimed Oscar winning drama Precious, for which he became the first African-American director of a film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Diff's artistic director, said: "Lee Daniels is one of the most distinguished American filmmakers today, who has built his illustrious career on embracing the dynamics and diversities of life's challenging situations, he is uniquely poised to understand filmmakers from the Arab world, their aspirations, and their unique viewpoints."
Daniels said: "I'm thrilled to be visiting the Emirates for the first time and to have the privilege of being part of the Dubai International Film Festival's jury. This festival is truly a host to international cinema. It's an exciting time for me to join the festival and experience everything that it has to offer."
. Diff runs from December 10 to 17. For more information, visit www.dubaifilmfest.com
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