Eight days of DIFF saw the screenings of 140 films from filmmakers and regional talent, and networking opportunities during the festival that ran from December 6-13.
Eight days of DIFF saw the screenings of 140 films from filmmakers and regional talent, and industry networking opportunities and insights during the festival that ran from December 6-13. Continuing to raise the profile of Arab film on an international stage, the film festival hosted a diverse selection of galas, special presentations, live performances, red carpet events and informative industry sessions.
DIFFs Closing Night Gala saw the most recent adventure from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, viewed by a capacity audience. The next instalment in the Skywalker saga held its premiere at the Madinat Jumeirah, and was welcomed to the festival in Coruscant style with a Star Wars takeover for the final gala. Characters from the decades-spanning franchise graced the red carpet as DIFF audiences turned out in their Star Wars costumes.
Abdulhamid Juma, Dubai International Film Festival Chairman, commented: DIFFs 2017 Festival saw new talent emerging, and communities brought together through the power of cinema. The 14th editions extensive lineup of films, both close and far from home, have once again thrilled audiences, and we are honoured to have brought this splendour to life.
Celebrating the craft of storytelling, Sajda Almuallemi was awarded the Arab Film Studio Scriptwriting Award for her work Unexpected Holiday. The Peoples Choice Award was presented to Goodbye, Christopher Robin, directed by Simon Curtis, as judged by DIFFs diverse audiences.
