The UAE has been the focus of international attention this past week, thanks to the starring role played by the Abu Dhabi desert in the teaser trailer for the much- anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The clip is a reminder of the role this country is playing as a location for Hollywood and Bollywood films. But it should also serve as notice of the need to promote a viable local film industry.
One suggestion to assist Emirati filmmaking – first posited in The National in October – is that a small fee be added to the price of admission at cinemas. The idea is that audiences pay, say, Dh1 to help fund the local industry when they see a feature film. The concept has been working well in France, where such a levy has been in place since the 1940s. The funds raised have helped build the world's third-largest movie industry by volume, and have led to the creation of some highly acclaimed movies that otherwise may never have been produced.
The idea has gained traction in recent weeks, becoming a hot topic on social media, at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival and at the Abu Dhabi Media Summit, where it gained the support of Emirati director Ali F Mostafa. One voice of dissent has been that of Michael Garin, the head of production company Image Nation. His argument is that the local industry does not lack funds but expertise.
However, the two are not mutually exclusive. The money raised from a “ticket tax” has to be spent wisely, including investment in training actors, writers, producers, directors and film crew. It would not be just a case of giving someone a big cheque and asking them to make a movie. Additionally, the system would help wean the industry off direct government support, which cannot continue forever.
As for the levy on cinema goers, a Dh1 fee on top of the cost of the ticket, popcorn and fizzy drinks would hardly be noticed. Unlike groceries, rent and transport costs, cinema tickets are a discretionary expense. Few people who really love cinema will quibble at the chance to support the creation of more movies with a local flavour.
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
The biog
Favourite hobby: I love to sing but I don’t get to sing as much nowadays sadly.
Favourite book: Anything by Sidney Sheldon.
Favourite movie: The Exorcist 2. It is a big thing in our family to sit around together and watch horror movies, I love watching them.
Favourite holiday destination: The favourite place I have been to is Florence, it is a beautiful city. My dream though has always been to visit Cyprus, I really want to go there.
