Written by Anealla Safdar

A year of showcasing the region’s talent

From Argentina to America, France to Canada and many countries in between which hosted celebrations of film in 2011, there was a distinct focus on Arab cinema, spurring hope among filmmakers from the region that their continuous plea for greater distribution might be soon answered.

For many organisers, it was their first attempt at including more Arab films, inviting more producers of Arab cinema and essentially giving greater exposure to their work.
In Cannes, for example, at least 90 short films were screened, from countries including Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

More recently, the organisers of the Palm Springs International Film Festival announced they have been working on a sidebar for Arab cinema for their event early next year.

The Toronto Film Festival also did its part, appointing a programmer earlier this year for Africa and the Middle East, which is likely to be a move aimed at boosting the festival’s quality content from these regions.

While international support is welcome, the efforts of regional events cannot be downplayed, and continue to achieve despite issues such as censorship and, more recently, political changes which often cause disruption.

“Regional film festivals are a great platform to showcase these films locally and internationally,” said Badar Salem, Variety Arabia editor. “But each Arab country has a different taste when it comes to films. That’s what makes it difficult to release some films, not to mention censorship. In the Gulf region, there is huge appetite for American and Indian films. In Egypt, Egyptian films come first.”

She praised Egypt, though, for going ahead and holding the fifth Alexandria Film Festival in November despite political turmoil, calling it one of this year’s revolutionary moments to remember.

The Gulf trio of events celebrating cinema; the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) and DFI’s own Doha Tribeca Film Festival, strengthened the region’s grassroots industry further this year. Dubai and Doha witnessed their largest festivals to date, and both committed to keep funding projects relevant and beneficial to the region.

A new support line also came from Jordan with the Royal Film Commission’s $700,000 Jordan Film Fund. Announced in June, it aims to support the local industry and empower storytellers.

While looking after the region’s future filmmakers remains a priority, 2011 has also seen A-list visitors attend the region’s events. Though celebrity endorsement is not unusual, there has been a greater attraction this year.

The region is becoming an attractive location for filmmakers, and the popularity of the festivals is proof.

Take Dubai, for example. At the DIFF earlier this month, Tom Cruise proudly posed with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai ruler, on the red carpet ahead of the MI4 premiere which features the city heavily. In Doha, Antonio Banderas held talks, attended galas and spoke of his admiration for the Arab world. Here to promote “Black Gold”, his presence was particularly welcome as many of the film’s epic battle scenes were shot in Qatar’s sand dunes.

To quote the title of a film by Lebanese director Nadine Labaki which swept up several awards at festivals this year: “Where Do We Go Now?” Looking ahead to the prospects of Arab cinema in the short and long term future should be done with a large dose of optimism. Challenges certainly exist, but the spotlight is shining and it is high time to give a passionate performance.