Entertainment

Breaking Stereotypes: Middle Eastern Stories in UAE’s Growing Film Industry

Middle Eastern Stories in UAEs Growing Film Industry 3

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing a cinematic renaissance, with filmmakers dedicated to portraying authentic Middle Eastern narratives that challenge pervasive global stereotypes. This movement is reshaping perceptions and highlighting the region’s rich cultural tapestry. Middle Eastern stories in UAE’s growing film industry.

Middle Eastern Stories in UAE’s Growing Film Industry: Ali Mostafa and Natalie Dormer

Nayla Al Khaja: Pioneering Authentic Storytelling

Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE’s first female filmmaker, is at the forefront of this transformation. Her works delve into societal dynamics, shedding light on themes often overlooked, such as coming-of-age experiences, child abuse, and familial challenges. By addressing these subjects, Al Khaja confronts stereotypes and offers nuanced insights into Emirati culture. Her recent feature film, “THREE,” exemplifies her commitment to authentic storytelling, providing fresh perspectives that defy conventional expectations of Arab cinema.

Middle Eastern Stories in UAE’s Growing Film Industry — Nayla Al Khaja

Emirati Women Redefining Filmmaking

Emirati women are increasingly making their mark behind the camera, directing, producing, and writing scripts that reflect genuine regional experiences. Their involvement is reshaping the UAE’s film industry and inspiring future generations. By overcoming obstacles and challenging stereotypes, these filmmakers are rewriting the narrative of their nation’s cinematic landscape.

Nayla Al Khaja

Ali F. Mostafa: Crafting Realistic Urban Narratives

Ali F. Mostafa‘s films, such as “City of Life,” offer a realistic portrayal of urban life in Dubai, moving beyond the city’s glitzy exterior to explore the lives of its diverse inhabitants. By presenting multifaceted characters and storylines, Mostafa challenges simplistic portrayals of the Middle East, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the region.

Ali F. Mostafa

Veritas Films: Documenting Untold Stories

Veritas Films, a UAE-based production company, focuses on creating cultural documentaries that capture the complexities of Middle Eastern societies. Their projects, such as “Champ of the Camp,” delve into the lives of migrant laborers, providing a platform for voices often marginalized in mainstream media. Through their work, Veritas Films challenges stereotypes and promotes a deeper understanding of the region’s social fabric.

Arab Film Festival: Promoting Authentic Narratives

The Arab Film Festival, now in its 28th year, aims to challenge stereotypes and promote dialogue by showcasing authentic narratives that illuminate the complexity and richness of Arab culture. By providing a platform for filmmakers from the Arab world, the festival contributes to a more nuanced understanding of Middle Eastern societies.

Challenging Hollywood’s Stereotypes

Historically, Hollywood has often portrayed the Middle East through a lens of stereotypes and erasure. However, the rise of Arab film festivals and the increasing popularity of films produced in Dubai and other Arab cities are promoting local filmmakers and encouraging more authentic storytelling. This shift challenges Hollywood to adopt a more nuanced approach to Arabic characters and settings, presenting a more accurate and diverse view of Middle Eastern culture.

Middle Eastern Stories in UAE’s Growing Film Industry

Famous Movies Filmed in the UAE

Conclusion

Through authentic storytelling, UAE-based filmmakers are redefining the region’s cinematic landscape but also challenging global stereotypes about the Middle East. Their work fosters a deeper understanding of the region’s complexities, promoting cultural dialogue and appreciation on an international scale.

Middle Eastern Stories in UAE’s Growing Film Industry

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Entertainment

Netflix Partners with AFAC to Empower Emerging Arab Women Filmmakers

Netflix Partners with AFAC (Arab Fund for Arts and Culture) to launch an inspiring new initiative called “Women in Film – Bring Your Story to Life.” This program is designed to provide training, development, and a platform for up to 25 emerging female filmmakers from across the Arab region. By focusing on women from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait, the initiative aims to nurture the next generation of storytellers in the film industry, strengthening diversity and inclusivity on and off the screen.

A Commitment to Creative Equity

This initiative is part of Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, which strives to empower underrepresented voices in entertainment. By collaborating with AFAC, an organisation with nearly two decades of experience supporting Arab artists, Netflix is amplifying its commitment to fostering authentic storytelling and bridging gender gaps in the creative industry.

Netflix’s Nuha Al Tayeb, Director of Content for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, expressed the importance of this collaboration:
“At Netflix, we are strongly committed to amplifying the voices of women in the region. This initiative furthers our support for authentic storytelling and developing the region’s talent pipeline.”

This partnership will also provide a unique opportunity for participants to collaborate and learn directly from seasoned industry professionals, helping them translate their creative visions into impactful cinematic works.

Netflix Partners with AFAC 1 — Emerging Arab Women Filmmakers

Empowering Emerging Female Voices

The program is designed to offer participants a comprehensive learning experience. Participants will work together on a group project under the mentorship of experienced filmmakers, where they will create short fiction films. Each group will be allocated a $25,000 budget to bring their ideas to life.

The initiative will be structured into three stages:

Script Development and Virtual Consultation: Teams will work with mentors to refine their story treatments and scripts through virtual sessions.

Pre-Shoot Planning: Detailed planning will help participants prepare for filming, ensuring smooth production workflows.
In-Person Post-Production in Saudi Arabia: Teams will edit and finalise their films with professional guidance, honing their technical and creative skills.

Through this hands-on approach, participants will gain valuable experience across all aspects of filmmaking, from ideation to final output.

Netflix Partners with AFAC 2 — Netflix Partners with AFAC to create a a legacy of supporting Arab talent.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The program is open to women under 28 years old who have directed no more than one short film outside their academic studies. Applicants must submit:

A story treatment and a draft script for a short fiction film.
A team structure, including at least a writer, director, and producer.

For those without complete teams, the program offers an online matchmaking process to pair applicants with technical talents like cinematographers or editors.

An independent jury will select five projects based on quality, creativity, and originality, ensuring that only the most compelling stories move forward.

A Legacy of Supporting Arab Talent

For over 18 years, AFAC has played a pivotal role in nurturing Arab filmmakers and artists. Rima Mismar, AFAC’s Executive Director, shared her excitement about this collaboration:
“For the past 18 years, AFAC has supported the production of over 500 films. Partnering with Netflix allows us to extend our mentorship and financial support to a new generation of women filmmakers, providing them a platform to learn and experiment.”

AFAC’s long-standing reputation in the region ensures that this initiative will have a meaningful and lasting impact on the Arab film industry. Coupled with Netflix’s global reach, this partnership sets the stage for emerging female filmmakers to achieve international recognition.

Building on “Because She Created” Initiatives

Netflix has consistently championed gender equity through its “Because She Created” initiatives, which spotlight female creators in the Arab world. Last year, Netflix and AFAC introduced a training program to familiarise women with filmmaking roles behind the camera.

This new initiative builds on that foundation, offering women not only financial resources but also access to mentorship and a practical platform for storytelling. By equipping them with the skills and experience needed to succeed, Netflix and AFAC are actively closing the gender gap in the regional film industry.

Transforming Arab Storytelling

The initiative aims to foster unique voices that reflect the diverse experiences of Arab women. By bringing new perspectives to the screen, these stories have the potential to challenge stereotypes and highlight untold narratives.

Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities, industry exposure, and the chance to showcase their work to global audiences. This blend of financial, educational, and creative support is designed to empower women filmmakers not just as storytellers but as influential voices in shaping the cultural landscape of the Arab world.

How to Apply

Women interested in joining this transformative program can apply via the official AFAC and Netflix websites. Applications are open for:

Complete teams with a clear project plan.

Individuals seeking technical roles in cinematography, editing, or sound design.

By ensuring accessibility to diverse participants, the program underscores its commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.

A Bright Future for Arab Cinema

Through initiatives like “Women in Film – Bring Your Story to Life,” Netflix and AFAC are paving the way for a new era of Arab cinema. By nurturing emerging talent, particularly among women, they are reshaping the film industry to be more inclusive, diverse, and representative of the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

Netflix Partners with AFAC to Empower Female Filmmakers

With a focus on mentorship, collaboration, and authentic storytelling, this program promises to uncover hidden gems and bring fresh perspectives to the global stage. As the participants craft their short films, they will not only bring their stories to life but also contribute to the growing recognition of Arab cinema worldwide.

Applications are now open, and the next wave of groundbreaking filmmakers is ready to emerge.

Entertainment

Avicii’s Legacy Revisited: “Avicii – I Am Tim” Documentary Now Streaming on Netflix

Over six years after the tragic passing of Tim Bergling, better known as Avicii, a new Netflix documentary, “Avicii – I Am Tim”, brings his story back into the spotlight. Directed by Swedish music journalist and musician Henrik Burman, the film paints an intimate and unflinching portrait of the Grammy-nominated DJ and producer whose music defined a generation. Avicii’s Legacy Revisited.

A Story Told in His Own Words – Avicii’s Legacy Revisited

The documentary takes a unique approach by allowing Avicii himself to narrate his story through carefully curated archival footage. “Before Avicii, there was Tim,” reads the Netflix description. “Through his own words, witness how a prodigious musical talent became one of the defining artists of his generation.”

Burman’s decision to let Bergling’s voice lead the narrative stemmed from a desire to capture the artist’s essence authentically. In an interview with Billboard, Burman explained, “When I determined that he’d be the one who’d narrate this story, I thought that maybe it was how I could be close to him. Maybe that’s how I can meet him.”

With the blessing of Bergling’s family, Burman was able to draw from an extensive archive of interviews conducted throughout the artist’s career. This treasure trove of material provided insights into Bergling’s thoughts, struggles, and creative process.

Avicii’s Legacy Revisited

Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and the Price of Fame

The film delves deep into the challenges Bergling faced as he navigated the pressures of global fame. From grueling tour schedules to struggles with mental health and substance abuse, “I Am Tim” does not shy away from the darker aspects of his life. In one poignant moment, Bergling reflects on his time in treatment, writing in his journal, “Those days in hospital were the most anxiety and stress-free days I can remember in the past six years, those were my true vacations, as depressing as it might sound.”

By incorporating these journal entries, Burman provides an intimate glimpse into the Stockholm-born artist’s internal world, highlighting the immense burden he carried while captivating millions with his music.

The Duality of Tim and Avicii

A recurring theme in the documentary is the duality between Tim Bergling, the individual, and Avicii, the global superstar. While Bergling’s musical genius propelled him to international stardom, the immense pressure of maintaining the Avicii persona took a toll on his mental health.

Burman reveals that Bergling himself wanted any documentary about his life to address not just his triumphs but also his struggles. “He’d say things like, ‘If there’s a documentary, we need to talk about alcohol; we need to talk about the bad things in my life,’” Burman shared.

A Posthumous Tribute

Avicii’s untimely death by suicide in Muscat, Oman, in 2018 shocked the world and prompted a global conversation about mental health in the music industry. In 2019, the posthumous album “Tim” was released, featuring music Bergling had been working on before his passing. The album stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and artistic brilliance.

Avicii’s Legacy Revisited

“Avicii – I Am Tim” is more than just a documentary; it is a poignant exploration of the human behind the headlines. It highlights the importance of addressing mental health struggles, especially in high-pressure industries like entertainment. The film offers a touching and unvarnished look at an artist who gave so much to the world yet grappled with challenges that ultimately became insurmountable.

Avicii’s Legacy Revisited

Streaming now on Netflix, “Avicii – I Am Tim” is a must-watch for fans, music lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the pressures faced by those in the public eye. The documentary serves as both a tribute to Tim Bergling’s extraordinary contributions to music and a reminder of the importance of compassion and awareness around mental health.

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Entertainment

The Revival of Drive-In Theatres in Dubai

Drive-in theatres, a cherished emblem of mid-20th-century entertainment, are experiencing a remarkable resurgence in Dubai. Blending nostalgic charm with state-of-the-art technology, they offer an extraordinary movie-going experience, perfectly suited to the Emirates’ innovative and dynamic culture.

A Journey Back in Time

Dubai’s connection to drive-in cinemas began in the 1970s with the iconic Rex Cinema on Khawaneej Road, near the present-day Etihad Mall. This venue was a pioneer, providing movie enthusiasts with the unique opportunity to enjoy films from the comfort of their cars. It embodied a communal yet personal atmosphere that resonated with families and friends alike. Watching a film from the privacy of one’s car while surrounded by a community of other cinema lovers created an experience that was both intimate and shared.

Drive-in cinemas at the time were more than just a place to watch films; they became cultural gatherings where families brought along picnics, and friends enjoyed evenings under the stars. The nostalgia for these social and cinematic experiences is part of what drives their revival today.

Drive-In Theatres in Dubai

Modern-Day Revival

The concept of drive-in theatres in Dubai lay dormant for decades, until the global COVID-19 pandemic revived it as a practical and enjoyable entertainment solution. In 2020, VOX Cinemas introduced a drive-in experience at the Mall of the Emirates. This reimagined concept allowed audiences to watch their favourite films while maintaining social distancing, with FM-transmitted audio and large outdoor screens ensuring a seamless viewing experience.

Not long after, Reel Cinemas launched its drive-in theatre at The Dubai Mall Zabeel. The venue added a touch of luxury to the retro experience, offering a breathtaking view of the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop. These contemporary interpretations of drive-ins seamlessly blend vintage allure with the convenience of modern-day technology.

Adding to this revival, D2 Drive-in Cinema at Damac Hills has become a favourite for its cosy and intimate setup, offering a curated selection of films in a tranquil environment. This venue showcases how smaller, thoughtfully designed spaces can provide equally memorable experiences for cinema-goers.

Drive-In Theatres in Dubai

Current Drive-In Venues in Dubai

Here are some standout drive-in cinemas redefining the cinematic landscape in Dubai:

VOX Cinemas Drive-In at Mall of the Emirates: Combining nostalgia and innovation, this venue accommodates up to 75 cars per screening, ensuring a personal and immersive experience. Ticket packages often include snacks, adding to the convenience and charm.

Reel Cinemas Drive-In at The Dubai Mall Zabeel: With the iconic Burj Khalifa in the background, this location elevates movie nights to a whole new level of elegance and style. This venue often curates special events, such as screenings of classic films, creating an added layer of exclusivity.
D2 Drive-in Cinema in Damac Hills: A cosy and intimate venue offering a curated selection of films in a serene setting. This spot is particularly appealing to families seeking a quieter and more private cinema experience.

Why Drive-Ins Matter Today

The resurgence of drive-in cinemas in Dubai highlights their enduring appeal and adaptability:

Safety and Comfort: Drive-ins allow moviegoers to enjoy their favourite films in the safety of their vehicles, making them ideal for families and groups. With no need to navigate crowded indoor spaces, they provide a stress-free entertainment option.
Unique Experiences: These venues offer a one-of-a-kind outdoor ambiance combined with modern comforts. The novelty of watching a film under the open sky, accompanied by Dubai’s stunning cityscapes, creates an unforgettable outing.
Nostalgia Meets Innovation: By blending retro aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, drive-ins cater to those seeking both a nostalgic and novel experience. They remind viewers of simpler times while delivering the high-quality visuals and sound expected of modern cinemas.

Cultural Connection: Drive-in theatres bring communities together, offering a shared experience that can be both social and personal. Events like family movie nights or theme-based screenings further enrich their cultural relevance.

Drive-In Theatres in Dubai

A Bright Future for Drive-In Theatres

The revival of drive-in cinemas in Dubai is a testament to the city’s ability to innovate while preserving timeless traditions. These theatres not only offer a safe and enjoyable entertainment option but also bring communities together in a unique way. The ability to adapt to contemporary needs while maintaining their nostalgic charm makes drive-in cinemas a standout in Dubai’s entertainment landscape.

As Dubai continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, drive-in cinemas remain a shining example of how nostalgia and modernity can coexist beautifully. From families enjoying animated classics to couples watching romantic comedies under the stars, these venues offer something for everyone. The future looks bright for drive-in theatres, as they continue to evolve and captivate new generations of moviegoers.