Dubai Culture puts spotlight on autism at 'Documentary Voices' film initiative

The first and only documentary film initiative of its kind in the UAE focusing on social concerns, Documentary Voices marks the support of the Authority to further strengthen Dubai's efforts in promoting cultural initiatives including television and films.

While the primary thrust of the event is on raising awareness of social issues, Documentary Voices, now in its second year, also enables film students and other participants to gain a stronger appreciation of documentary making through workshops led by professionals. The participants will also have the chance to win educational scholarships from the Abu Dhabi-based New York Film Academy.

Caspian Events, a Sharjah-based production house, is putting together the event, which will be held from November 12 to 15, 2009, at Al Bastakiya, a vibrant cultural hub in Dubai. Several globally-acclaimed documentaries on social issues will be screened at the event in addition to featuring discussions with film-makers on various aspects of documentary making. These workshops will cover script-writing, cinematography, sound design, editing, financing, distribution and creative development.

This year Documentary Voices is also making history with the filming of a special documentary on autism in a first of its kind initiative in the UAE. With the support of the New York Film Academy, international crew members from the UAE, US, Iran, South Korea, South Africa, Russia, Holland and Iraq are shooting the documentary at the Dubai Autism Centre. The documentary is titled, 'Make Me Perfect,' and is written by Shadmehr Rastin, an award-winning script-writer.

Documentary Voices will also feature an exhibition of paintings by autistic artist Christophe Pillault; and a lecture by Pillault's mother and member of European Autism Centre, Dr Jacqueline Mansourian, on her experiences as a parent. The event will conclude with a public screening of 'Make Me Perfect' and an auction of the paintings by Pillault to raise funds for the Dubai Autism Centre.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Chief Projects Officer at the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said:

"Cultural initiatives are effective tools to engage the public in the various concerns of the community. 'Documentary Voices: Social Awareness 2009' focuses on autism as its key theme this year, and uses the medium of documentary and art to convey the needs and aspirations of individuals with autism. According to healthcare reports, one in every 91 children in the region is affected by autism spectrum disorder making it imperative that autism awareness is further strengthened. This festival complements the Authority's mandate to support such initiatives of social and cultural significance."

He added, "By hosting Documentary Voices at one of the oldest cultural districts in Dubai - Al Bastakiya in Khor Dubai - we are further strengthening the process of cultural integration. Our support to this initiative highlights our commitment to partner in events that showcase the diverse social and cultural fabric of the UAE community. The event serves as an educational tool for film enthusiasts in appreciating the art of creating documentaries and strengthening their knowledge-base about various production aspects. This is an added dimension to the event, which will set a new benchmark for documentary making in the UAE."

Mahshid Zamani, Managing Director of the event and CEO of Caspian Events, said that 'Make Me Perfect,' will feature detailed information on autistic children, their lives, and the challenge they and their parents face.

"We believe that the initiative will encourage the media and film makers to take a more active interest on social concerns such as autism and bring the special needs sector to the forefront," Mahshid added.

She added, "This is not an event but a message being passed on to all the people to understand and feel that there are social concerns to be highlighted through the medium of film and television to generate awareness globally. The collective aspects of the programme have been designed to strengthen awareness about autism. We thank the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority for their continuous support in making this event a reality and giving it a truly global dimension. We also thank our sponsors including Copthorne Hotel, the official hotel, and other partners for their support."

Mohammed Al Emadi, Managing Director, Dubai Autism Centre said, "Film makers can create both awareness and empathy in the community. This documentary is a window of opportunity to highlight autism and the work carried out by the Centre. Documentary Voices is a wake up call to all the media and film makers to take responsibility in addressing serious social concerns, and the role special needs sector plays in alleviating suffering and improving lives."

Dubai has been leading the way in taking concerted initiatives to support children with autism. This is in line with the vision of the Emirate's leadership to give each individual in the society the attention they need and deserve. Documentary Voices, through the film production on the Dubai Autism Centre, is also putting the spotlight on the committed action of Dubai to addressing all cross-sections of the society.