The event aims to stimulate a global discussion around public diplomacy and demonstrate the influence of documentaries and video content during this unprecedented time.
Image Nation Abu Dhabi has partnered with the Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) to launch The Art of Cultural Diplomacy – A Virtual Salon Series to spark a global discussion around cultural diplomacy through film.
The first event of the monthly series will start on May 14 with the screening of Every Last Child, the Image Nation documentary about the Polio crisis in Pakistan. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with HE Omar Saif Ghobash, the Assistant Minister of Public and Cultural Diplomacy at MOFAIC, alongside Nassar al Mubarak, Director at Office of Strategic Affairs, Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, and Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation Abu Dhabi and twofour54.
The series, which aims to engage diplomats, ambassadors and viewers, will showcase impactful visual content on important topics including women’s education, wildlife conservation and people of determination.
In addition to Every Last Child, other Image Nation film productions will be screened, including Back to the Wild, History of the Emirates and As One: The Autism Project. The film screenings will be followed by panel discussions, led by experts and representatives from Image Nation Abu Dhabi and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Commenting on the new series, HE Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister of Public and Cultural Diplomacy at MOFAIC, said: “The film industry in the UAE is rapidly evolving. The partnership between the Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy at MOFAIC and Image Nation Abu Dhabi is aimed at supporting the film industry in the UAE by promoting Emirati directors and producers and telling stories about life in the UAE. Indeed, at a time when there is a lot of uncertainty, the arts are proving to be invaluable in helping people through this time.”
Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation, remarked: “During these challenging times, we must celebrate the value that the film industry brings in terms of entertainment and knowledge. Documentaries are powerful tools that have the ability to educate in an engaging way that ensures a long-lasting impact on the viewer. Our partnership with MOFAIC will exemplify this influence and impact to a global audience through the various screenings and engaging panel discussions. Image Nation maintains its commitment to inspiring others and telling the UAE’s stories.”
The event will take place on Image Nation’s webinar platform with free online registration open to the general public.
