MEIFF opens with red carpet gala
The Middle East Film Festival (MEIFF) kicked-off with a gala event last night–red carpet and all–to bring Abu Dhabi 10 days of cinema and 129 films, including many Middle East premiers.
There wasn’t a shortage of celebrities either as actresses Demi Moore and Hilary Swank–a two-time Oscar winner–and Freida Pinto, the star of last year’s hit and Oscar favourite Slumdog Millionaire, graced the red carpet at the Emirates Palace hotel. Hollywood actor Dennis Haysbert (The Unit), Italian actor Fraco Nero, Tunisian actress Hind Sabri, Egyptian actress Menna Shalabi, as well as actress Basma and Cyrine Abdel Nour were also in attendance.
The 47-year-old Demi Moore was elegant in black at the opening of the third Middle East International Film Festival last night. Demi was not promoting a film but was drawn to the festival out of interest in the Middle East.
“We haven’t had an opportunity to spend any time in the Middle East,” said Demi.
“Part of what was really exciting about the invitation was really getting an opportunity to see a little bit more of this side of the world, just kind of be educated myself within the culture. And though this is clearly far more progressive than some Middle Eastern countries, it’s really foreign to me. “
“So it’s been great.”(1)
Meanwhile, Hilary Swank looked stunning in a demure white dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. Hilary presented the ‘Black Pearl’ award last night won by British actress Vanessa Redgrave for her life’s work, but handed to her husband, Italian actor Franco Nero as Ms Redgrave was not in attendance.
Not to be out done, Freida held her own on the red carpet looking amazing in a Marc Jacobs gown.
At the center of MEIFF are the Gala Screenings, a collection of nine high profile films to be screened at the Emirates Palace auditorium. The festival began yesterday with a showing of the first gala film: Egypts’ The Traveller (Al Mosafer) by Ahmed Maher and starring Omar Sharif.
The Festival’s Centerpiece offering will be the World Premiere of the extraordinary Frech underwater documentary Oceans, directed by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud (13 and 16 October at 9:30pm.)
The Closing Night Feature will be The Men Who Stare At Goats, Grant Heslov’s hilarious dark comedy starring George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey (17 October, 8pm.)
Apart from the gala screening, the Festival also features World Cinema Showcase.
Half of the films screening as part of MEIFF originate from the Middle East, with a special focus on contemporary Turkish cinema.
