Films at Gulf Film Festival explore Khaleeji culture and traditions on big screen

The unique traditions of the region are the subject of Qatari filmmaker Hafiz Ali Ali's Gharanguoo Film, which depicts a young girl learning from her grandmother about the songs, colourful costumes and customs of the 14th evening of Ramadan.

Al-Bashara (The Good Omen) originates from Bahraini filmmaker Mohammed Rashed Bu-Ali, and depicts the hanging of 'Al Nasha,' an article of female clothing, over the rooftop as a joyous announcement about the return of a family member from a long journey or absence.

Wa Waila (Oh Torment) is a surreal film based on an old Kuwaiti folk song, whose words are almost like a trance of sadness. Kuwaiti filmmaker Monira Al Qadiri takes on the poem in an unconventional way, with colourful costumes and reversed gender roles.

The Gulf and its culture interacts with the world beyond in several films at the festival: Saudi filmmaker Hana Abdullah's Beyond Words investigates the 'universal language' of music, in a musical dialogue between an Argentinean tango group, on their first visit to Saudi Arabia, and a Saudi folk music band.

In her countryman Sameer I. Arif's Just A Word, a young boy returns to Saudi Arabia after having spent his childhood in the United States. His reentry to the Arabic language proves more difficult than originally thought.

Fahmi Farahat, also from Saudi Arabia, brings Ahmed's X-mas Carol, about a mischievous Muslim-American boy who visits a Christian friend at Christmas. Ahmad wants his family to buy him gifts as well, but he's in for a surprise when he opens them.

Two of the films depict young people balancing their traditions with societal change: Hind Al Hammadi and Elham Sharaf's Finding Mr. and Mrs. Right: Dubai Style is a charming documentary about Dubai's new generation as they search for their perfect match. Caught between the expectation of their traditions and their desire for a new 'freedom,' they share thoughts on topics such as flirting, family expectations and the characteristics of their ideal partner.

The Sound of Life by Ali Shah Hatami depicts a young Harry Potter fan who lives in Ras Al Khaimah and works at a mosque. When he tries to go and watch the latest Harry Potter movie, he discovers the movie is no longer showing in the theatre in Ras Al Khaimah and he has to travel to Dubai to watch it. But at the same time, he has to be back in time for work.

All films will be shown in free public screenings until April 15 at the Grand Cinemas Festival City. The Gulf Film Festival is presented by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) in association with Dubai Studio City.