Diff 2014: 11 things to experience

Like all film festival experiences, Dubai International Film Festival
boils down to more than just the glitter and glam. Often, the shiniest
of gems are hidden in the nooks and crannies of the eight-day
programme, whether be they panel discussions, ticket specials or
unexpected showcases.

This year, Dubai Film Market manager Samr Al Marzouqi filledtabloid!in
on the 11 things everyone should keep an eye out for at the 11th
edition of the festival.

1.The free outdoor screenings, starting at 7.30pm every night at The
Beach, opposite JBR. There's something for everyone to enjoy with a
wonderful mix of documentaries and feature films from talented global
directors.

2.The 'Friend of the Festival' package that allows you to enjoy unique
VIP privileges at the festival. Get special access to screenings, be a
part of the opening and closing ceremony and attend exclusive
conferences to interact with industry specialists.

3.The student special. If you're a student, you can apply to get a
Diff student badge. This will allow you to four regular screening
tickets per day at any of the Diff box office locations or online at
diff.ae.

4.The State of the Region's TV discussion on December 11 in the Diff
Forum Room in the Dubai Film Market at Madinat Jumeirah Conference
Centre. The discussion will provide an overview of the regional
television landscape that reveals what the broadcasters are buying,
producing, showing and describes their digital strategy.

5.A bonus screening at The Beach, opposite JBR, on December 12, where
you can watch fifteen of the UAE's budding filmmakers' films at Diff,
produced as part of the Samsung Short Film Contest.

6.The #MyDubai films showcase at 6pm on December 13, held at The
Beach. As part of the #MyDubai initiative, these five one-off short
films will capture the lesser-known aspects of everyday life in the
city. This will be followed by a free screening ofAbood Kandaishanfrom
Emirati filmmaker Fadel Al Mheiri.

7.The "Short Films: A Stepping Stone or the Final Destination"
masterclass on December 14, by two-time Oscar-winning producer Kim
Magnusson, at the Diff Forum Room. The workshop will discuss how short
films can be a great launchpad for a future career in feature film but
also how they are an amazing form of storytelling in their own right.

8.The "Ways of Seeing: Cross-Overs in Art and Cinema" discussion with
curator Omar Kholeif on December 15 at the Diff Forum Room. Kholeif
will go through an illustrated case study of the work of award-winning
artist and filmmaking duo Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige,
exploring the possibilities of working between art and cinema. Omar
and the filmmakers will discuss the complexities of funding and
producing hybrid art-film projects.

9.The "How Gulf Filmmakers See their Future in Film?" panel on
December 14 at the Diff Forum Room. Gulf filmmakers share their
experiences from helming a short film to completing a feature and
their observations on the growth of the industry around them. Hear
about their journey so far and their projections as we look through
their lenses into the future of filmmaking in the region.

10.On Monday, December 15, founder and artistic director of the
international brand MAKE UP FOR EVER, Dany Sanz, will hold an
educational workshop where she will reveal her professional secrets in
the art of make-up.

11.An "In Conversation" event with Academy Award-nominee Virginia
Madsen on December 15 at the Diff Forum Room. She will provide
first-hand insight into her career, spanning more than 100 titles, and
the difference between acting for film and TV

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