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Dubai: The first screening of six Emirati short films was held yesterday at DIFF, running to an hour-and-a-half of footage in the Madinat Jumeirah Theatre.
After the screening, the six film directors held a press conference.
The board consisted of Nayla Al Khaja, 26, a film maker now studying in Canada, and the first Emirati female producer; Waleed Al Shehhi; Abdullah Ahmad, who has won three prizes for his past films; Juma Al Sahli; Hamad Al Awar and Jasim Al Salty.
The group of filmmakers talked to the press about how they came up with the ideas for their films and what inspired them to convey their stories to audiences.
"My film concentrates on contrasting the youth of the UAE today and the youth from 50 years ago," said Jasim Al Salty, whose film showed the toys that the youth of today have to play with, and how 50 years ago, games needed to be invented by the child.
The directors also offered advice to any up-and-coming UAE national filmmakers. "Your heart needs to really be in this kind of profession," said Hamad Al Awar. "If you do not push yourself to achieve what you have in your sights, it will not work."
When asked about DIFF, the directors praised the organisation and prospects of holding a festival here in the UAE. "DIFF is a great opportunity for Emirati filmmakers to get their work shown to the public and the press," said Abdullah Ahmad. "We really hope that DIFF grows in the future, especially in the Emerging Emiratis section."
The Emerging Emirati films will be screened throughout this week.
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