'Adasa' programme encourages growing talents of Emirati filmmakers

Adasa is a year-round programme devoted to nurturing and growing the skills of emerging Emirati filmmakers. The Labs focus on story structure and crafting original feature film scripts of the highest calibre. One-on-one story sessions with creative advisors, together with group discussions with the entire Lab community support, challenge and inspire the Filmmaker Fellows during the intensive process of script development.

Adrienne Briggs, Director of The Circle, said that the programme was launched with the participation of six emerging talents from the UAE: Alia al Shamsi, Abdalla Bastaki, Fadel Al Muhairi, Khadeja Al Buloshi, Khalid Al Subaihi and Lamya Gargash.

'These Emiratis were flown over to Los Angeles to attend summer workshop sessions, which provided them with an overview of the filmmaking process and a focus on how to create a story outline,' she explained.

'The fellows were also involved in Master Classes on various screenwriting techniques and story structure that allowed them to create an outline for their feature-length scripts. They also had the opportunity to tour studios, and gained hands on experience in workshops at various production and post-production facilities,' she added.

Alia Al Shamsi, one of the Adasa fellows, said that she is currently working on a story about an Emirati woman who is obliged to overcome social obstacles as she enters the job market in pursuit of her dream of being a journalist. Alia explained that her background as a Communications Technology graduate was useful experience for this.

Another fellow, Fadel Al Muhairi, who is a prominent film maker based in Abu Dhabi, praised the Los Angeles trip for its help in giving him direction and guidance in writing, whilst also widening his knowledge of the film industry.

'I'm currently working on a historical feature on the Protégées invasion of the region set in the 1500's,' he said.

Eissa Al Mazrouei, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage Project Manager, commented:

'The Adasa Labs provide a wonderful opportunity to preserve Emirati culture by creating local stories that can be filmed and shared with the world.'

The Circle is staging a week-long event, kicking off on the 6th of October at the Shangri La Hotel with its specialised three day Circle Conference 2008. The event is being seen as an ideal platform for encouraging young regional talent in the filmmaking industry by creating programs for them to interact with renowned producers and directors from around the world and to benefit from their vast experience.

Another Circle initiative - its Interactive Media Exhibition - will be held from 9th to 11th of October at the Marina Mall and will include discussion panels and an exhibition focused on the introduction of new-media technology both to industry players and the general public. The combination of cutting edge exhibits and advanced interactive experiences is designed to promote Abu Dhabi as a prime destination for New-Media production in the Middle East. It will feature virtual worlds, video games, interactive art, narrative tools and internet communication platforms. The Circle Conference runs in parallel with The Middle East International Film Festival, which kicks off at the Emirates Palace Hotel October 10 - 19th.