DUBAI/JEDDAH — Legends of the silver screen, established and emerging filmmakers, cineastes, gifted actors and actresses, and a diverse array of industry professionals are due to descend on Dubai en masse this week for the 9th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF). As one of the Emirates' most anticipated events, the festival starting today brings eight days of star-studded galas; appearances from esteemed international, regional and local celebrities; high-caliber award ceremonies; interactive workshops and a plethora of industry forums, alongside the spectacular lineup of 158 films from every corner of the globe. Opening this year's festival is “Life of Pi,” an epic journey of adventure and discovery helmed by visionary director Ang Lee, and a 3D adaptation of the beloved novel by Yann Martel. The film's young up-and-coming actors Suraj Sharma, Adil Hussain and Shravanthi Sainath, who magnificently embodied the story's characters, will be gracing the DIFF red carpet at the gala screening. DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma said: “Year after year, the festival attracts such a high level of films and filmmakers and I'm delighted to say that the 9th year is no different. With a lineup of 158 films from 61 countries in 43 languages, there is something for everyone at this year's DIFF. “Across our screenings, workshops and forums, we look forward to hosting film industry professionals from all over the world and it is our hope that these individuals will help inspire, guide and nurture a future generation of filmmakers.” “Life of Pi” is a film that truly epitomizes the ethos of DIFF's “Bridging Cultures” mandate, according to Juma. “Shot in India, Canada and Taiwan, the 3D adventure follows young Pi in a breathtaking debut performance by Suraj Sharma, whom we are honored to welcome to Dubai and the Festival.” Handpicked by Ang Lee from 3,000 actors auditioning for the part, Sharma puts on a performance which brilliantly shows Pi's courage, hope, fear, sorrow and jubilation, exposing his incredible talent every second of his screen time. “‘Life of Pi' is a perfect multi-dimensional and multi-cultural masterpiece to mark the opening of our 9th edition and we are delighted to have the film's stars walking the DIFF red carpet,” Juma added. Ahead of traveling to Dubai, Sharma said: “Life of Pi is a universal story about surviving insurmountable odds and, combined with Ang Lee's amazing use of the cinematic medium and 3D, will resonate with audiences the world over. This is my first film but I am honored to bring it, alongside my co-stars Adil Hussain and Shravanthi Sainath, to open the Dubai International Film Festival.” Apart from Sharma, Hussain and Sainath, other celebrities expected on the red carpet tonight include Academy Award-winning actress and Head of the Jury for the IWC Filmmaker Award Cate Blanchett, Freida Pinto, Michael Apted and Ana Ivanovic. Emirati stars walking the red carpet include Reem Erahma, Jaber Naghmoush, Habib Gholoum, Haifa Hussein and Mansour Al Feeli. Kuwaiti stars attending the opening night include Haya Abdul Salam, Mahmoud Bou Shahri, Fatima Al Saffi, Bassem Abdul Ameer, Hamad Al Omani, Ibrahim Al Harbi, Abdullah Boushahri, Fouad Ali, Shaima Ali, Aseel Omran and Abdul Aziz Jassem. Celebrities from the Arab world walking the red carpet include Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Poussy Shalaby, Nelly, Shirine, Amir Karara, Caroline Khalil, Ezzat Abu Ouf, Ghada Adel, Magdy El Hawari, Hany Ramzy, Hassan Hosny, Khaled Al Nabawy, Mohammed Saad, Nermine Al Feki, Salah El Sadany, Sherine Adel, Ismail Al Ojaili, Waleed Tawfik, Samer Ismail, Ramzy Lehner, Mohammed Farrag, Khairy Beshara and Ibrahim El Batout. The opening red carpet and ceremony of the festival at Madinat Jumeirah — held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai — will be telecast live on YouTube. At the opening ceremony, which will be attended by high-level dignitaries, DIFF will present its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards to veteran Egyptian actor Mahmoud Abdul Aziz and prolific British director Michael Apted. The festival will close on Dec. 16 with the much-awaited Muhr Awards ceremony. The DIFF box office is open online at www.dubaifilmfest.com. Additional information is also available through the festival's dedicated customer care number, (971) 363 FILM (3456). — SG
