Provocative stories from the Gulf Film Festival

Emirati films are pushing boundaries in terms of the controversial topics they tackle. We take a look at what's on offer at the Gulf Film Festival.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, APRIL 10, 2013. Samr Husain Al Marzooqi, Dubai Film Market Manager, Dubai Entertainment & Media Organisation, speaks about the state of film in the Gulf and the Emirates aShow more

With the average budget for short films estimated at between US$20,000 and $30,000 (Dh73,500  and Dh110,000), the quality of filmmaking has improved “dramatically”. In terms of the subjects tackled by Emirati filmmakers specifically, the most noticeable trend in this year’s selection of local films are “provocative stories touching the redline”, according to Samr Husain Al Marzooqi, the manager of Dubai Film Market.

The Dubai Film Market, a division of the Dubai International Film Festival, offers various initiatives to support Arab filmmakers, including financial aid. During the GFF, they also offer seven consultants who can be approached at any time by budding filmmakers looking for industry insights, in addition to the international speakers taking part in panel discussions.

“The film festivals are cultural events that nurture the industry. The number one inquiry we receive is about financial aid,” says Al Marzooqi. “When it comes to subjects they wish to tackle, they have the freedom – so it is now between the filmmaker and his audience.”

“It’s sad that some girls lose their life. It also gives the wrong impression of what Islam teaches us,” says Al Baloushi.

“We want to change society perceptions because we all make mistakes,” says Alhammadi.

Despite the level of freedom, Al Marzooqi says what is lacking are affordable university degrees in filmmaking. He also points to low numbers of animated films as well as projects dealing with current city life “like you see in similar big cities”.

Ÿ For the full schedule of film screenings, visit www.gulffilmfest.com

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