Region’s film fraternity to discuss present, future prospects in second Gulf Nights open forum at 4th Gulf Film Festival

The second Gulf Nights open forum for regional and international cinema professionals, enthusiasts and media will be held from April 14 to 19, 2011, at Dubai Festival City on the sidelines of the fourth Gulf Film Festival, organizers announced today. 

The highly interactive sessions, which begin at midnight every day, are a traditional highlight of the Festival, with its spirited open-floor question and answer sessions drawing full houses. The series will this year include discussions with veteran filmmakers and industry leaders including French experimental legend Gerard Courant. 

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Festival Director, said the Gulf Nights discussion series fosters open dialogue between different stakeholders in the film fraternity: regional filmmakers and their audiences, emerging and established talents, film critics; and business and creatives. 

“Gulf Nights is a bridge between filmmakers and audiences, and between the present and future of cinema,” he said. “The sessions are also a valuable opportunity for emerging filmmakers in the region to learn from the best in the field. The insight and growth that results from these sessions is invaluable, providing opportunities to exchange opinions and cultivates stronger dialogue.” 

The nightly events, which will run from midnight to 1:30 am at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, are open to all registered Festival delegates. 

The first Gulf Nights session, on April 15, will focus on the Gulf Film Festival’s inaugural international short films competition, in addition to questions and answers session, with panelists including GFF Director Al Ali and Festival consultant Salah Sermini. 

On April 16, renowned French experimental director Gerard Courant will share his insights on new-age filmmaking and his style of work comprising contemplative feature films, films made of still images and negative images. The session will be moderated by Sermini and Lebanese film critic Hauvick Habechian. 

Gulf filmmakers will be in the spotlight in the ‘Khaleeji 2011’ open dialogue on April 17 which will focus on Gulf filmmakers, the upcoming cinema scene, and a discussion on the Gulf Film Festival 2011 films, moderated by Emirati director Nasser Al-Yaqoobi. 

On April 18, French co-producer and sales agent Pascal Diot will lead the Gulf Nights session on the effective marketing and distribution of films, for filmmakers with completed films as well as those in the planning stage. 

The Festival’s Gulf, international, and student competitions will be the focus of the April 19 ‘Vampires: Juries’ session. Filmmakers and delegates will be able to question the jury members evaluating this year’s Festival competition entries on this last night of the series.

The fourth edition of the Gulf Film Festival will be held at the InterContinental Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Grand Cinemas at Dubai Festival City. The 2011 Festival includes a Gulf competition, student competition, out-of-competition segments including children’s cinema, a master class by renowned director Abbas Kiarostami and other special events. All films are free and open to the public.