Abu Dhabi Film Festival runs from October 11-20, 2012.
How do I buy tickets?
There are a couple of different ways to get tickets to the films. You can head to the box offices, one of which is currently open at the Marina Mall and one at Emirates Palace (opening on Thursday). You can also buy single tickets online at www.adff.ae.
The standard price is Dh30 per film, although students can get a ticket for Dh20 and it's free for kids ages two to five (although they must be accompanied by an adult).
You can also pick up a festival pass, giving you access to all the films (except the opening and closing nights and awards ceremony), or a 10-voucher package for Dh250.
Finally, any available tickets for sold out screenings might become available on the festival website at 12.01am on the morning of the screening. For those in the standby queue at the box office, some tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis 15 minutes before the film starts.
Where is it happening?
This year, the festival screenings are taking place across just two venues, Vox Cinemas in Marina Mall and the Emirates Palace. Naturally, it's the Emirates Palace that will be hosting the red carpet affairs and big gala screenings, alongside the special events, masterclasses and workshops. But there will also be assorted family-friendly film-based activities going on at the Marina Mall for you to get involved in, including Family Day on Saturday, with live entertainment, face-painting and the chance for kids to walk the red carpet. Parking is available at both venues.
Any places to eat at?
There are over 48 cafes and restaurants at Marina Mall to choose from, with plenty of options in the food court for a quick pre-film bite. The offerings at Emirates Palace are, predictably, of the more high-end and pricey variety, such as the romantic beachside grill of BBQ Al Qasr or Chinese delights at Hakkasan, but great if you really want to make a night of it. Just remember to finish up before the screening starts or they'll give your ticket away.
When should I arrive at the cinema?
We recommend getting to each screening at least 15 minutes before it starts, or there's the danger that your ticket will be given away to those poor souls waiting in the standby queue.
What should I look forward to?
All of it, of course! OK, perhaps you can't see everything, but why not use the opportunity to watch a few films that are unlikely to be coming to your local megaplex anytime soon. Have at look at some of the regional documentaries on offer, or the various Algerian films in celebration of the country's 50th anniversary of independence, or even one of the digitally restored classics.
