Created by an all-female team, the four-minute film highlights the non-profit Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts, which supports Emirati women who create traditional crafts.
Image Nation Abu Dhabi will screen a short film about the Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts organisation, which supports underprivileged women who create and preserve traditional Emirati crafts, at Manarat Al Saadiyat on October 17th. This will be followed by a panel discussion between Mariam Al Kindi, director of Al Ghadeer; Amna Al Nowais, director of the short film; and Lubna Bagsair, a producer with Image Nation’s documentary team.
Speaking about the programme, Amna Al Nowais, an Emirati filmmaker who directed the short film and an alumna of Image Nation’s Arab Film School training programme said: “Al Ghadeer has uplifted the economic and personal wellbeing of hundreds of women in the UAE. In the craftswomen’s stories, there was a consistent thread of the organisation’s positive effect on their lives, through the platform provided for their impressive craft and creativity and, perhaps even more importantly, through community. Beyond that, as many of the artisans are Emirati women from a pre-oil generation, their stories also speak of a very specific life experience; rich with resilience, self-sufficiency, and humour. The Image Nation team and I hope that through this film, more people will learn about and support Al Ghadeer’s very important work.”
Mariam Al Kindi, director of Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts said of the film: “I’m in love with our talented craftswomen and want to see their work everywhere in the world, not just in the UAE. This short film beautifully captures the essence of Al Ghadeer and it’s wonderful craftswomen who find joy and community from their traditional crafts. I hope the viewers fall in love with our craftswomen and Emirati crafts after watching the film and learning more about them.”
A short edit first aired in VOX Cinemas in honour of Emirati Women’s Day. The film was created by a female strong production team from Image Nation Abu Dhabi.
The premiere will be held as part of Manarat Al Saadiyat’s Global Remix – a festival celebrating a global array of culture, with interactive installations, workshops, talks, musical performances and more to be held from October 17 – 19. Tickets available here: www.masglobalremix.com
