DIFF Buzz 2014: Paul Bettany’s My son is obsessed with the Burj Khalifa

Paul Bettany, English actor and now director of the new film Shelter, in Dubai. Sarah Dea/The National

Hollywood star Paul Bettany is in town to present his directorial debut Shelter at Diff – the film’s second screen after premiering at Toronto.

But business aside, the trip has its perks – Bettany’s stay in Dubai has given his son Stellan the chance to fulfil a nagging urge to see the world’s tallest building.

Bettany admitted that the 11-year-old is “obsessed” with the Burj Khalifa, in an interview earlier today (Friday November 12) ahead of the film’s screening.

He blames the Tom Cruise starring Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol for some part of the infatuation.

“We live In New York City so he has an obsession with tall buildings,” said Bettany

“He’s obsessed with the Burj Khalifa and has been for years – so I was able to take him up it at last.”

Enjoying some father-son bonding, the pair also took off on a desert safari. “We rode camels – it was great,” adds Bettany.

It’s not believed wife Jennifer Connelly, who stars in Shelter, or the couple’s three-year-old daughter Agnes, made the trip.

Shelter is, by the way, fantastic – catch the gala premiere at Madinat Theatre tonight (Friday November 12) at 8.15pm, or the second screening at Mall of the Emirates on Sunday (December 14) at 3pm.

And check Sunday's Arts&Life for our full interview with the star.