Films. Dubai.

Let’s face it, when it comes to accessibility, the film scene in Dubai is pretty miserable. Now, that is not to say there isn’t much happening in the Emirates when it comes to cinema – after all there is a thriving, young group of directors that continue to make superbly timely short films about the life in the UAE. There are screenings of independent local and international films at art houses like The Shelter, at universities, and of course there is always a film screening for an entire week at The Picturehouse in Dubai Mall. But these events are few and far between, with minimal publicity and often in rather outlandish locations.

But then every year, for just one week, Dubai is turned into the stuff every artsy sophomore or film buff’s dreams are made of. The Dubai International Film Festival is one of the events Kipp looks forward to the most, and it’s on this week. For your convenience – and to encourage you to go – we have written a quick round up of all things DIFF related.

Dates:

December 12-19

Venues:

Mall of the Emirates

Dubai Media City: CNN Building

Madinat Souk: First Group Theatre

Madinat Arena

JBR The Walk

Tickets:

Regular screenings: Dh25 per ticket

Dh10 for students presenting valid student ID

Red Carpet Gala Screenings: Dh80 per ticket

Rhythm & Reels (movies including a live performance): Dh45 per ticket

Film listings for the schedule, visit www.dubaifilmfest.com or call 04 391 3378.

Kipp’s picks:

We’ve trolled through the various descriptions on the site and come up with the top films that we are hoping to see. Click next for the list. Film synopses have been taken from the DIFF website.