Documentary Voices: Pulling Focus - Dubai 2008
Our mission


Documentary Voices: Pulling Focus is a cutting-edge program of documentary film screenings and workshops designed to develop and empower filmmakers while entertaining and informing the public. The initiative highlights perspectives on culture, society and regional conflict by new and established filmmakers. It will be a centerpiece for summer cultural activity in the UAE.

Arab, American and Iranian documentary filmmakers will network and brainstorm together, attend master classes and build partnerships. The public will enjoy films, seminars and panels on the arts, war and peace. Film directors will answer audience questions following each screening.

Veteran and bright new filmmakers will pull international focus away from selective, “Western” views about the Middle East, to authentic stories about the region as told by its own documentary filmmakers and journalists, and by those seeking to tell them better.


“Combining the know how of talent that’s developed over time with the wit and audacity of newcomers will give everyone a creative boost – not to mention the benefits of nourishing relationships for future projects.”
-- Festival Artistic Director Anisa Mehdi, Emmy Award-winner; news and documentary film producer

"Documentary Voices: Pulling Focus' vision for bringing together documentary filmmakers from three different cultures, all working together to make a difference, resonates strongly with my own passions in documentary filmmaking. This inaugural outing In Dubai is sure to bring attention to this worthwhile endeavor for years to come. I hope to participate next year." -- Davis Guggenheim, Director, “An Inconvenient Truth,” 2006 Academy Award winner: Best Documentary

     “Documentary Voices: Pulling Focus in Dubai” is produced by Whetstone Productions (USA) and Caspian Event (Dubai). Anisa Mehdi, President of Whetstone Productions, is Artistic Director. Mahshid Zamani, CEO of Caspian Event is Managing Director.



Media Contacts

USA:                                         DUBAI:

Nan Sumski     Ahmed Bin Saeed   
nansumski@aol.com makaram@hotmail.com, tabreez17@gmail.com
323- 420-5353   050-7919515     0559148057


Dubai International Festival Film