Dubai, December 18: Actors, producers and filmmakers who showcased their works this year at the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) were honoured on the closing day of the event.
In all, 28 awards were given away for excellence in acting, cinematography, editing, music and scriptwriting, in addition to the jury general excellence awards.
The entries were from more than 62 nations across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australia and Europe in three categories – documentaries, short films and feature films.
The evening, hosted by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, brought together hundreds of industry insiders from around the world in a special ceremony that included recognition as well as cash prizes. Television programmes, as well as films, were honoured.
The film ‘Zalem Al Ar’ (Time of Shame) won the first prize and $500,000 along with two other Arab dramas that made an impact on Middle Eastern television this year, specifically during the Ramadan season.
Khas Jooden (Extreme Privacy) won the second prize and $300,000 and the serial historical drama ‘Balqees’, which followed the life of the Queen of Sheba, came third and won $200,000.
The MBC Awards Movies in Motion recognised young filmakers from around the world. This year, over 60 schools in 90 countries particpated and the top prize went to Mohamed Al Badry for his two-minute short film ‘Idol Tree’.
The DIFF People’s Choice Award, directly voted on by viewing audiences, went to Lebanese filmmaker Zeina Daccache for her compelling documentary ‘12 Angry Lebanese’. The film also took home top honours for the Arab Muhr Documentary category.
The Emirati Awards, which recognises up and coming local talent, honoured three of the most promising Emiratis in cinema this year. Mohammed Hassan Ahmad was adjudged the Most Promising Talent, Nawaf Al Janahi was declared the Most Promising Male and Manal Bin Amro the Most Promising Female.
For the first time at DIFF, The Human Rights Film Network Awards honoured filmmaker Merzak Allouache for her film ‘Harragas’, which highlighted the Algerian youth and their difficulties, their doubts and hopes for a better life. The film also took home a Fipresci Award for being the best feature film.
The Historical Dubai Film Connection, an award body that showcases promising Middle Eastern projects, honoured filmmakers Ismael Ferroun, Mahdi Flafel and Amin Matalaq for their contributions to the festival’s film line-up this year.
DIFF Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said the strong participation of films, documentaries and shorts was matched by impressive creativity and technical finesse.
“The increased participation and the quality of participating films underscores the fact that DIFF has helped drive regional talent in cinema, offering filmmakers in the Arab world, Asia and Africa a definitive platform to showcase their creativity,” Al Ali said.
–Agencies