Gulf Film Festival honors second edition winners

The award ceremony was attended by filmmakers and guests from the Gulf region at the end of a six-day cinema extravaganza at which 169 films from 32 countries were screened free for the public.

Abdellatif Abdelhamid, President of the Jury that chose the final slate of winners, began his remarks at the ceremony by praising the support extended by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority for the Gulf film industry.

He added, "The jury commends this year's festival for its high level of organization and professionalism, embodying the best of Gulf hospitality. It is especially remarkable to see the high level of participation from young people, who will no doubt be inspired to raise their level of filmmaking craft. We also look forward to seeing an evolution of production values, narrative techniques, and technical acumen year on year at this worthwhile event."

Official Competition:

In the Official Documentary category, the first position went to Kais Al-Zubaidi - Iraq for Jaber Alwan because of its technical approach and narrative flow. Kasim Abid from Iraq took the second prize for his film Hayat Ma Baad Al Sukut (Life After The Fall), which merged public and the private issues and recorded the changes in his country at a critical stage in its history.

Third prize went to Faisal Al Otaibi from Saudi Arabia, director of The Fort, who depicted a region immersed in tradition and surrounded by rough geography. The special jury award was offered to, director Amer Alzuhair from Kuwait for When The People Spoke - Part 3, for continuously exposing the secrets of the democratic process in his country.

In the Official Shorts category, Fenar Ahmad from Iraq won the first prize for his film Mesopotamia for its excellent production values, sincerity, and its frank and honest approach to the Iraqi situation. Second prize was awarded to Waleed Al Shehhi from the UAE for Baab (DOOR), which portrayed a relentless search for identity. Third prize went to Mohammad Aldhahri from Saudi Arabia for Shrouq/Ghroub (Sunrise/Sunset), which courageously dealt with social issues.

Emirati writer Mohammed Hassan Ahmed won the Best Script prize for the Bahraini film Mraimy, for its balanced drama. The Special Jury prize was given to Meqdad Al Kout from Kuwait for Mouz (Banana) for his excellent use of satire.

The jury also decided to present special mentions to Omar Al-Masab from Kuwait for Naked Human, because of its superior production values and beautiful use of wide scope technology, and to Talashi Group from Saudi Arabia, a group that has been seeking to stimulate youth cinema in Saudi Arabia.

The special mentions were also awarded to actress Fatima Abdul Rahim from Bahrain for her performance in Mraimy and Raheel and to Actor Abdullah Abdulmalik from Bahrain for Yassin and AL-Bashara (The Good Omen).

In the Official Feature film category, this year's winner is Abbas Fahdel from Iraq for L'aube Du Monde (Dawn of The World). The selection was based on the superior cinematography of the film and the usage of visual language that celebrates the beauty of the location.

The second prize went to Waleed Osman from Saudi Arabia for The Revenge, a film that celebrates youth. Moreover, the jury decided to present a special mention to Emirati director Maher Al-Khaja for AL Ghorfa Al Khamesa - OUIJA (THE Fifth Chamber - OUIJA) for an impressive demonstration of filmmaking.

Student Competitions:

In the Student Documentary category, UAE's Ebrahim Ustadi received the first prize for Ahmadiya, for the film's promising cinematic language and the preservation of the local memory of the UAE.

The second prize was presented to Mounaf Shaker from Iraq for Red Zone Citizens, for monitoring the efforts of a youth theater group under the occupation of Baghdad.

Third prize went to Elham Sharaf and Hind Al Hammadi from the UAE for Finding MR. & MRS. RIGHT: Dubai Style, for approaching youth related issues with courage and transparency.

In the Student Shorts category, first place was awarded to Rawia Abdullah from the UAE for Amal's Cloud, which reflected promising craftsmanship. The second prize was awarded to the Omani Al-Motasim Al-Shaqsi from AL-QANT, which provided an intimate look into the society and its traditions.

The third prize was handed to Anggi Makki from Saudi Arabia for Badri? which showed courage in highlighting youth issues. The Special Jury prize was awarded to Mohammed Al Tamimi from Saudi Arabia for PG+, which tackled the meaning of cinema and censorship. The jury also presented a special mention to UAE's Dana Mohammed for Amal's Cloud.

Script Competition for Emirati Short Films:

Winners of the Emirati Script Competition were also honored. Ismail Abdulla won first place for the script of Al Meezan, whereas Mohammad Hassan Ahmed came second for his script GIFT. Fatima Al Mazroui won third prize for Noura'S Apple.

Lifetime Achievement Awards:

The festival also presented Lifetime Achievement awards to Kuwaiti director and producer Khalid Al Siddiq, distinguished Emarati writer Abdel-Rahman Al Saleh, and renowned Bahraini producer Khalifa Shahin, in recognition for their outstanding contributions to the development of the Gulf film industry.

The second edition of the Gulf Film Festival was brought by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) in association with Dubai Studio City, and was held between the 9th and the 15th of April 2009.