DUBAI // After a year's worth of build up and rumours, Tom Cruise finally opened the Dubai International Film Festival last night with suitable celebrity style. There was predictable pandemonium at Dubai's Madinat Jumeirah as the star took to the red carpet for the world premiere of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.
Hundreds of fans, most clutching photos of the actor and several with homemade "We Love Tom" placards, began screaming for his attention long before his car pulled up. Thankfully, the 49-year-old actor was extremely forthcoming, showcasing the polite and courteous side that most working with him have been at pains to acknowledge. Cruise was the first to step on the lengthy red carpet, and among the last to leave, spending more than an hour and a half tirelessly signing autographs and posing for photos.
"The fun of doing movies like this is that I get to fulfil a dream of travelling the world," said the actor, who finished shooting some of the film's most dramatic scenes in Dubai just over one year ago. "I was very excited to have the opportunity to film here. It's a beautiful and very cinematic city."
Other stars from the film who made the walk included Simon Pegg, who said he was a little scared about such red carpet evenings. "It's a little like extreme sports," joked the British actor, who claimed that one of his favourite things he took from his time in Dubai was a new love of shisha. "Apple and grape, it's a great combo."
But Pegg also said that he thought events such as the Dubai International Film Festival could help promote the region across the world. "I hope it serves as a platform for Arab cinema," he told the assembled press. "We need to see more of it."
Paula Patton, clad in a sparkling red gown, was extremely enthusiastic about her return to Dubai. "It's great to be back here a year later, and for people to love the film the way they do." Patton said that one of her biggest memories of Dubai was when they first arrived and filmed a scene coming into the city, which involved driving around a herd of camels on the roadside. "After we shot this, Tom flew us all in a helicopter to the Burj Al Arab," said the actress. "It was amazing."
Anil Kapoor, who plays an Indian telecoms magnate in the film, was gushing about appearing alongside Cruise, who no doubt made many more fans on the evening following the consideration he gave the crowd. "He's inspiring, and one of the most charming actors I've ever worked with," said the Bollywood veteran.
For Brad Bird, the Ghost Protocol director making his first foray into live-action, the celebration in completing such a project was simply the relief that it had worked out. "When a film works out you're just like 'Thank god I didn't screw it up'." However, Bird did admit that is was a nice feeling to return to the city where much of the filming took place. "It's just great to be back but actually be on the ground this time."
Other big names who appeared on the red carpet included Egyptian filmmaker Amr Waked, Yasser Arafat's wife Suha, who stars in a documentary about her late husband that is screening today, and Indian music legend AR Rahman.
The Dubai International Film Festival will carry on until December 14 with screenings across the city of more than 170 film from 56 nations.
Cruise isn't the only star who will have the crowds screaming over the next seven days. Indian legend Shah Rukh Khan is also due to make an appearance.
