As the film world gathered in Dubai for the annual Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), 12 Years a Slave, a movie which features Kenya’s Lupita Nyong’o, stole the show with hundreds attending its screening.
The film, a brain-child of Steve McQueen, was among top international films showcased during the two-week event that also saw international film stars from Hollywood and Bollywood feature.
Even though Lupita was not in attendance, her name bore praises with many terming 12 Years a Slave as the movie of the year.
Featuring celebrated movie stars like Brad Pitt, the film that is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom, caught the world by surprise after it was released about four months ago.
READ MORE
KQ cancels Dubai flights over flooding, severe weather
Can new UAE trade pact help Nairobi to be the 'Dubai of Africa'?
It won accolades all over the world before becoming an instant hit.
Among the top Hollywood stars invited to colour the Dubai fete included Cate Blanchett, Martin Sheen and Mark Ruffalo.
Irfann Khan, Rooney Mara, Goldie, Priyanka Chopra, Andy Serkis and Abigail Breslin were also among the invited international celebrities slated for the red carpet.
The festival screened a total of 174 features, shorts and documentaries including 70 world premieres and eleven international premieres from 57 countries in 43 languages.
The line-up included over 100 films from the Arab world, which highlights the thriving film culture within the region and increased interest in Arab cinema from audiences around the world.
Abdulhamid Juma, DIFF chairman, said: “Since those early days, we have seen a surge in confidence in Arab cinema year-on-year and DIFF is now the premiere platform for launching Middle Eastern films. We have been able to support and nurture filmmaking talent from emerging markets around the world whilst simultaneously supporting the development of a UAE film industry closer to home.”
The festival presented its Lifetime Achievement Awards to multi Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Martin Sheen whose career has seen him appear in more than 65 films.
The Arab Lifetime Achievement Award went to veteran Egyptian film critic Samir Farid.
