A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
DUBAI FILM FESTIVAL 2016 Saudi filmmakers receiving global recognition.
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is a significant event in the GCC. Since 2004, the festival has served as a platform for Arab filmmakers. It is spearheading the cinematic movement in the region. On Dec. 6, the Dubai International Film Festival opened in a spectacular fashion at Madinat Jumeirah and over 150 diverse films were showcased, representing 55 countries. This year, the festival awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards to several iconic figures. They include Indian actress Rekha, American film icon Samuel Jackson, and French-Lebanese composer Gabriel Yared. The award is given to recognize their dedication and outstanding and creative contribution to the cinematic field. Additionally, the DIFF also celebrated and highlighted the region’s success stories. This is reflected in the five Saudi short films that were premiered. 34 DESTINATION SHARQIYA JANUARY 2017
300 KM
Hailing from a conservative community, a man, woman and child are forced to travel together in a small car to undertake a 300-kilometer journey along a stretch of road. Producer: Mohammed Al Holayyil. His most recent award was the Golden Palm from Saudi Film Festival Scriptwriters: Mohammed Al Holayyil, Norah Al Mowald DOP: Ali Al Shafiey Editor: Yacob Al Marzoog Cast: Khaled Saqer, Zara Al Balushi, Ibrahim Al Hajjaj