The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is bringing a series of films to the first edition of Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert, which will take place from March 4 to 7 at Al Marmoom Desert, as part of Dubai Art Season.
Acting as curator for the film programme, Cinema Akil, the first arthouse cinema in the GCC, will screen critically acclaimed films from around the world at Al Marmoom. Over four nights, it will present both narrative and documentary films, such as the award-winning feature-length You Will Die at 20, by Sudanese director Amjad Abu Alala; and Nearby Sky, a documentary film by Emirati filmmaker Nujoom Al Ghanem, which follows the journey of one woman's devotion to her camel.
In addition, the selection includes the critically acclaimed Mimosas by Oliver Laxe, as well as George Miller's 1981 fantasy, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. The line-up will also feature the premiere of the restored classic The Lion of the Desert by Moustapha Akkad and a programme of short films featuring some of the most established voices in Emirati film.
The event will host hands-on workshops focusing on various aspects of filmmaking. Those taking part will be able to create handmade VR binoculars using stencilled, folded paper. Through a guided session, participants can also produce their own short films by going through a process of storyboarding, role allocation, as well as scene and stage setting. At the end of the workshops, the films will be exported and stored for later use.
A series of masterclasses will take place through one-off sessions featuring seasoned industry experts, who will hold discussions for amateurs, expert filmmakers and enthusiasts.
In addition, industry conversations with members of the local and regional film scene will be using the masterclass as a platform to share their experiences. There will be conversations about animation; the use of the country’s landscapes as a location for international films; film distribution; and how to enrich the UAE's existing film scene.
