Gulf Film Festival honours Mohammed Jaber

The Gulf Film Festival (GFF) will honour Kuwaiti stage and film actor, writer and arts administrator Mohammed Jaber, a fixture of the artistic scene in Kuwait and the wider GCC for over 50 years.

Jaber performed the lead role in the touching 2012 GFF film Al Salhiyah, directed by Kuwaiti filmmaker Sadeq Behbehani, which follows the life of an aging businessman.

Masoud Amralla Al Ali, GFF Director, said: “Before the unprecedented rise in cinematic activity that we are currently seeing in the Gulf, there were dedicated artists such as Mohamed Jaber who laid the foundation we now build upon with the GFF. Well versed in writing and acting in both theatre and television, forming and running thriving theatre companies, this veteran and his colleagues entertained generations of delighted fans in the GCC. Jaber’s long career speaks to his passion for the work and his incredible dedication to his craft. Honouring this legendary actor at GFF this year is a small token of our gratitude for the years that Mohammed filled with stories that brought so much delight to us here in the GCC—stories that were funny, human and uniquely Khaleeji.”

Mohammed Jaber said: “I have received with great joy and pleasure your gracious invitation to the Gulf Film Festival in Dubai. This honour reflects the depth of your faith in my life’s work and artistic vision, and your distinguished recognition motivates me to continue to work and to reach out to my fellow artists throughout the region. Without your continued support and that of people from around the Gulf, I wouldn’t have achieved the level of success I have been fortunate to enjoy over the years. I hope that the festival’s support for GCC artists will motivate them to follow their passion and pursue a career in the arts.”

Jaber will be awarded on the opening night of the sixth edition of the Gulf Film Festival on April 11, 2013.