The 14th Edition of the Dubai International Film Festival returns with its red carpet galas at DIFFs purpose built venue, the Madinat Arena between December 6-13. Kick-starting the gala screenings on Thursday December 7, is British Director Dominic Cookes, On Chesil Beach based on the 2007 Booker Prize-nominated novel by Ian McEwan. Looking in-depth at relationships […]
The 14th Edition of the Dubai International Film Festival returns with its red carpet galas at DIFFs purpose built venue, the Madinat Arena between December 6-13.
Kick-starting the gala screenings on Thursday December 7, is British Director Dominic Cookes, On Chesil Beach based on the 2007 Booker Prize-nominated novel by Ian McEwan. Looking in-depth at relationships in the 1960s, the film follows the goings-on of a young couple on their honeymoon.
On December 8, Ferdinand from legendary Brazilian director, Carlos Saldanha is a childrens adventure-comedy centred around a fighting bull with an identity crisis, voiced by John Cena. Second on the roster is The Death of Stalin from Scottish-Italian filmmaker Armando Iannucci, who brings soviet-era satire about one of the worlds most ruthless leaders, to the modern era of cinema. Finishing off a roster of cinema is Australian director, Warwick Thorntons period-western Sweet Country, inspired by true events, boasting a cast of Michael Palin, Steve Buscemi, Jason Isaacs and Jeffrey Tambor.
Saturday December 9 also boasts a trio of international hits. DIFFs afternoon Gala is Academy Award-nominated actor, writer, producer and director Rob Reiners Shock and Awe which takes a real-life look at a group of journalists who uncovered the unsubstantiated claims by President George W. Bushs administration that led to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Everyones favourite fun-fueled action-packed family adventure, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, revs into gear on Saturday evening at the Madinat Arena with a cast that includes, Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black, and is directed by American television director Jake Kasdan. Bringing the curtain down for the day is James Franco, with The Disaster Artist, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Tommy Wiseaus The Room from 2003 that has become one of the most treasured cult classic of all time.
Dubbed one of the most creative and visionary artists of his generation, Mexican Director Guillermo Del Toro presents the stunning romantic fantasy The Shape of Water on December 10. The highly anticipated feature and winner of the Golden Lion Award for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival has talent with the likes of Academy Award nominees Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon and Richard Jenkins, and Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer.
Bringing a darker shade of humour to the evening of December 11, is Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri from Academy Award winning British Filmmaker, Martin McDonagh. The Oscar front-runner starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell has snowballed on the festival circuit winning Best Screenplay Award at the Venice Film Festival, the Peoples Choice Award at TIFF, and a further 11 nominations for British Independent Film Awards.
December 12 welcomes a duo of award winning international hits, starting with BAFTA Award winning Director Lynne Ramsay and her gripping thriller, You Were Never Really Here. Matt Damon is the pick of the bunch in Alexander Paynes Academy Award winning satirical sci-fi piece, Downsizing. Centred on a man who chooses to shrink himself (literally) to simplify his life, the fun and touching film concludes the screenings in the Arena, with help from Kristen Wiig, Christoph Waltz, Laura Dern, Jason Sudeikis, Alec Baldwin, and Neil Patrick Harris.
