When: Wednesday, December 9, 8pm Where: The Beach What: Norwegian-Kurdish director Halkawt Mustafa's feature is all about little people dreaming big. It charts the story of two brothers, Alan and Shirwan, and how the fierce rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid acts a backdrop to the struggles – economic, social, romantic – faced by dwarves in their community. Screens again on Monday, December 11, 6.15pm at Vox, Mall of the Emirates 7. The Idol When: Friday, December 11, 7.30pm Where: The Beach What: The latest film from two-time Oscar-nominated director Hany Abu Assad leaves behind the wry, black comedy of previous work – Divine Intervention, Omar – for the more uplifting tale of Mohammad Assaf, the Palestinian singer who won TV talent contest Arab Idol in 2013. There is, though, plenty of real-world grit as Abu Assad lays bare the horrors of life in Gaza. Screens again on Saturday, December 12, 9.30pm at Vox, Mall of the Emirates 6. Room When: Thursday, December 10, 10pm Where: Madinat Jumeirah Theatre What: A story of emotional and physical survival adapted from Emma Donoghue's best-selling novel, Room follows the five-year-old Jack and his mother, who are being held captive in a shed. It is only world Jack has ever known until they plot their escape and see the world that lies beyond it. Unsettling, beguiling and bursting with brilliantly nuanced performances, the Oscar buzz is definitely growing – and much deserved. Its gala screening on the festival's first Wednesday is a fitting way to open DIFF 2015. 5. Abdullah When: Friday, December 11, 5.45pm Where: VOX, Mall of the Emirates What: Marking the debut of 31-year-old Abu Dhabi director Humaid Al Suwaidi, a graduate of New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, Abdullah tells the story of a young man who tries to conceal his love of music in an extremely conservative religious household. Beautiful shot around the UAE, and with plenty of tragi-comedy, this is a genuine landmark in UAE cinema. Screens again on Tuesday, December 15, 10.15pm at Vox, Mall of the Emirates 4. Lady in the Van When: Sunday, December 13, 7pm Where: The Beach What: Alan Bennett's engaging true story, which first saw the light of day in 1989, focuses on his odd yet somehow increasingly affectionate relationship with a homeless woman who lived in a small van parked outside his house on an otherwise genteel North London street. On screen, the lady in the van is brought to life by the unstoppable Maggie Smith – who probably didn't even need to rehearse for the role of the comically cantankerous neighbour. Screens again on Tuesday, December 15, 7pm at Vox, Mall of the Emirates 3. Yallah Underground When: Friday, December 11, 6.30pm Where: Vox, Mall of the Emirates What: Independent music from the Arab orld started to gain international traction about eight years ago when the likes of Lebanon's Soap Kills and Scrambled Eggs caught the ear of people beyond each other's bedrooms. What followed between 2009 and 2013 was a loose but important scene across Beirut, Cairo, Amman, and Ramallah in which bands picked up guitars and delivered electric live sets to engaged, enthusiastic audiences. The documentaryYallah Underground, directed by Farid Eslam, looks the high point of alternative music in the region. Screens again on Tuesday, December 15, 7pm at The Beach 2. Zinzana When: Thursday, December 10, 6pm Where: Madinat Arena What: Already getting some love from film festivals around the world, including London BFI, Zinzana is an Image Nation film by Emirati filmmaker Majid Al Ansari. Set in a Jordanian prison cell and starring established Palestinian actor Ali Suliman, it is a psychological thriller with echoes of Sidney Lumet as the plot focuses around a man (Saleh Bakri) with no ID who is prey to a brutal Suliman's brutal police officer. Screens again on Saturday, December 12, 10pm, at Vox, Mall of the Emirates 1. Brooklyn When: Friday, December 11, 9.15pm Where: Vox, Mall of the Emirates What: Tens of thousands of Irishmen and women set sail for America during the 20th century, pushed by the lack of opportunity at home and drawn by the seeming endless possibility of the States. Based on the highly acclaimed novel by Colm Toibin, Brooklynfollows one young migrant, Ellis Lacy, as she wrestles between a future that lies ahead and the family she's leaving behind. As an Irishwoman born in New York, Saoirse Ronan explains to ShortList why she had a special affinity with the plot, which is why she was desperate to play the role. Screens again on Wednesday, December 16, 5.45pm at Vox, Mall of the Emirates
