Ministry of Culture of Bahrain to showcase regional talent in association with the Gulf Film Festival

In line with the diverse agenda of Manama, the Capital of Arab Culture 2012, the week-long programme marks the first cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Culture of Bahrain and the Gulf Film Festival (GFF). They will work in partnership to give viewers a rare and exciting opportunity to experience the creativity and imagination of the Gulf's filmmakers, both emerging and established.

The selected films, all of which have participated at GFF and the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), range from short films to features and documentaries, and will take viewers on a unique journey through real and fictitious events of the past and present from within a true GCC lens. Viewers at Gulf Cinema Nights will be encouraged to examine both variances and similarities in the cultural experiences depicted across the different films.

HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Culture of Bahrain, explained, "Film is an important element of contemporary culture, always reflective of trends, beliefs and life patterns. I am very pleased at this partnership with the GFF as the Ministry of Culture's ongoing commitment to multi-disciplinary learning and cultural exchange within the programme of Manama, the Capital of Arab Culture 2012 is further extended through this initiative. The film nights present some of the best work of regional artists and display raw Arab talent. The broad range of movies will give viewers a sense of pride in the evolution of the regional film industry."

GFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma commented, "The Gulf Film Festival (GFF) is delighted to be associated with Gulf Cinema Nights. The Festival's core aim is to develop a thriving film culture within the Gulf, nurture greater opportunities for filmmakers from the region to present their films and secure support for future projects. Our partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Bahrain will take us closer to realizing this vision and this selection of films has been carefully selected from our GFF and DIFF archives. GFF is an annual showcase of the best of the region's film and we are proud to share our recent cinematic discoveries with Bahrain."

Manama will host a number of contemporary regional directors during the week of Gulf Cinema Nights including the well-known Maitham Al Musawi, Meqdad Al Kout, Khalid Al Mahmood and Abdullah Al-Eyaf, in addition to internationally renowned film personality and actor Hafez Ali Ali.

Entrance to the event is free of charge and screening will start at 9pm each night. All films are subtitled in English.

The Gulf Film Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and held in association with Dubai Studio City. Emirates Airline, Dubai's flag carrier, is the presenting sponsor of the festival.