Dubai Film Festival registers strong presence in Cannes

Since the two previous years, there is a noticeable increased level of awareness and interest in DIFF among the industry in Cannes. During their visit, the DIFF management met with several top studios, directors and producers, including Management of Paramount and The Weinstein Company.

The busy duration of events for DIFF culminated in an 'Arabian Nights' party hosted at the Majestic Beach-front of the popular Cannes Croisette. At 900, the number of people who attended nearly doubled from the previous year.

"Our continued presence at Cannes each year is to showcase the Dubai International Film Festival as an ideal platform for attracting key industry members to the region, and to promote it as a unique, quality festival that enhances multiculturalism and encourages artistic excellence. This year, our presence at Cannes marks the success of this strategy, and the fruition of our efforts," commented Neil Stephenson, Director and CEO of DIFF.

Among those who attended the DIFF 'Arabian Nights' party were Roger Ebert, world renowned film critic; Bob Yari, producer of the Oscar winning film 'Crash'; Robert Lantos, producer of 'Being Julia'; Denise O'Dell, co-producer of 'Kingdom of Heaven'; Mario Van Peebles, actor; Teresa Cheung, actress; and Remy Bonkasky, martial arts champion and actor.
International trade media present were Screen International, Hollywood Reporter, Variety, as well as various TV crews. Colin Brown, Editor-in-Chief of Screen International, joined Stephenson in welcoming the guests.

Woven around an Arabian theme, the evening presented an ensemble of henna tattooists and fortune tellers under a lantern-lit marquise, reflecting authentic accents of the Orient in its décor, mood and menu. Among its thematic elements was also an over-friendly camel at the entrance.

Following his welcome note, Stephenson presented a glimpse of the festival through a video presentation, and the crowd's excitement escalated as he announced the winner of the grand raffle draw prize - a pair of business class return air tickets to Dubai on Emirates Airlines, and a week-long stay at the luxurious Madinat Jumeirah, during DIFF 2006, from 10 - 17 December.

DIFF's presence in Cannes and its much talked about party had guests, friends and visitors expressing interest in the DIFF 2006 program of films and events. Announcements made by DIFF earlier in the week which also captured international media interest include the appointment of two Artistic Directors, and the launch of its Arab Film Competition.

Representatives of DIFF included its management and international programming team. The party also served as a platform to promote the up-and-coming Dubai Studio City to an international crowd of industry members, and provided the same opportunity to several Dubai-based production companies who were present.