The UK/UAE Short Film Festival officially launched last night at the Four Seasons Hotel in Abu Dhabi with screenings of eight short films – four by UK film makers and four Emirati, jointly sponsored by the British Council and Image Nation Abu Dhabi.
The films will now head off on a tour of the Northern Emirates, offering residents of RAK, Fujairah, Um Al Quwain and Al Ain a rare opportunity to watch local and international short films in their local community.
The shorts represent a broad spectrum of the movie viewing experience, from Abdulrahman Al Madani's study of the relationship between an infirm elderly Arab woman and her Filipina maid, Beshkara, to Shola Amoo's stylised and poetry-infused study of Othello in context of modern race relations, Dear Mr Shakespeare.
The travelling festival is part of the UK/UAE Year of Collaboration 2017, and although details are still under wraps for now, film fans can look forward to further collaboration between the two film making communities at this year’s Dubai International Film Festival, which promises a strong British theme to the line-up, which will be announced later this month.
The screenings were preceded by a day of panels, discussions and workshops as part of the UK/UAE Film Symposium, which featured speakers including local film makers Nawaf Al Janahi and Nayla Al Khaja, UK film makers Shola Amoo, Mike Forshaw and BAFTA-winner Caroline Bartleet, Image Nation chief Michael Garin and dignitaries including the British Ambassador to the UAE Philip Parham.
An audience of local film makers, industry figures and students heard discussions about the role of the modern film maker, using film as a tool for cultural exchange and the ongoing efforts to establish the UAE as a regional, and ultimately global, hub for film making.
The conversations certainly raised some interesting points – Garin seemingly softening his stance on the idea of legislation to get locally produced films into cinemas was an interesting observation, as the Image Nation chief has previously been a staunch opponent of government-driven schemes such as France's one euro tax on Hollywood film tickets to support the French film industry.
Ultimately, though, talking shops don’t get films made, and Al Janahi perhaps put it most succinctly when he noted: “Such events and talks are crucial to move forward, and I hope the efforts extend towards film co-productions between the UK and the UAE.”
For audiences, however, the big question will be where they can see the films next, and the tour moves forward as follows:
Monday, November 13, 6pm: RAK Cultural Centre
Tuesday, November 14, 6pm: Fujairah Cultural Centre
Wednesday, November 15, 6pm: Um Al Quwain Cultural Centre
Thursday, November 16, 6pm: Al Ain, Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre
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When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
SPECS
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RACE CARD AND SELECTIONS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m
5,30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
6pm: The President’s Cup Listed (TB) Dh380,000 1,400m
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Group One (PA) Dh2,500,000 2,200m
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Listed (PA) Dh230,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
The National selections
5pm: RB Hot Spot
5.30pm: Dahess D’Arabie
6pm: Taamol
6.30pm: Rmmas
7pm: RB Seqondtonone
7.30pm: AF Mouthirah
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
