Press releases
‘Documentary Voices’ Fourth edition highlights Women Empowerment
- Region’s leading documentary platform will premiere ‘CARLA'S WAY : THE RISE OF A FIRST LADY’ on November 27TH
- Documentary Voices, to be held until November 29TH , will chart the power of documentary making in ushering in ‘WOMEN AND CAREER”
- Sessions on various aspects of documentary filmmaking to be led by professionals
Dubai, UAE; November 14, 2011:
The region’s leading documentary platform 'Documentary Voices' which is mainly focuses on social themes by screening evocative documentaries from around the world via workshop sessions led by documentary makers and film professionals. Workshop which will be conducted in a unique innovative technique of learning created by the 'Documentary Voices', in association of l'Alliance Française de Dubai and supported by Dubai International Film Festival; under the title of ' Women empowerment'.
Conducting this event for the fourth year is a clear indication of the high level of success showed clearly in the first, second and third edition, which resulted to delivering four filmmakers to the UAE while informing community about pressing issues.
And the current edition will offer a unique opportunity to the community to learn from the best in the UAE filmmaking industry while stand a chance of winning a prize from Al An TV along with the opportunity of being a guest in their Al Youm program.
The fourth edition will commence on 27th November in DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates with UAE premiere of Carla's way: the Rise of a first lady, directed. The film directed by Marc Berdugo is offering a unique behind-the-scene look at the realms of power and fame.
This year the event in sponsored by Sharaf DG, which considered the event as one of the major events in developing new filmmaking talent through highlighting social topics. Mr. Yasser Sharaf, Sharaf DG Managing director said for this occasion: “Women empowerment initiatives are dear to the organization and we strive to support woman centric initiatives to the fullest. ‘Focused on Women’ is one such venture from Documentary voices, which helps women achieve a balance between family and career through a series of film screenings, panels and workshops”.
“Documentary Voices invites people to reflect, and act. That is why year after year since 2009, the Alliance Française of Dubai is proud to be associated with this event” Stated Dominique Chevallier-Wixler, Directrice de l'Alliance Française de Dubai.
To be held through November 27th, Documentary Voices will continue to explore the power of documentaries in making meaningful social change and instilling the concept of ‘Women and Career’ to encourage and support the successful careers that our women have.
During the 3 days movies from all over the world will be screened, including Documentaries and Short films from United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Iran and France.
Several dedicated workshops, discussion panels and screenings will be conducted to encourage and support aspiring filmmakers to create strong documentaries that can beneficially impact the society.
The extraordinary filmmaking workshops will be led by two honourable guests and pioneers in UAE film industry: Nujoom Al Ghanem- the Emirati award winner documentary maker and acclaimed poet and Khalid Al Budoor- the acclaimed Emirati script writer and award winner poet.
Ms. Mahshid Zamani, founder and Managing Director of Documentary Voices said “this year documentary voices’ theme is the closest to our heart. We have confirmed the attendance of more than 200 university students who will come from all over the UAE to participate in the event”.
At the end of each day of screening panels will also be run about “Women issues” with the presence of film directors and experts such as Dr. Nezar Andary,- filmmaking professor, Shadmehr Rastin – Award winner Iranian Script writer and documentary Maker, and Philippe Jalladeau – renowned French Film Historian
To take part in Documentary Voices workshops, please contact 0561268316 or email: n_k_50@yahoo.com.
For more information please visit: www.documentaryvocies.com
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For more information, please contact:
Najwa Abdulelah/Haneen Al Tal
Tel: +971556400822/+971503268800
Email: wiznaj@gmail.com
"The National"
Director's Dubai masterclass gives 'shelter' to filmmakers
Maey El Shoush
22 April 2011
DUBAI // A cinematic masterclass held by a renowned Iranian director in Dubai this week provided a safe haven for filmmakers from troubledcountries across the region.
Around 40 enthusiasts from such nations as Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain and Sudan - as well as the US - attended Abbas Kiarostami's 10-day course, which was funded by the Gulf Film Festival and organised by the Dubai-based Documentary Voices. They were tasked with creating short movies based on the theme of loneliness.
"In this workshop, we managed to create a shelter for those coming from troubled nations," said Kiarostami. "Once the filmmakers came into the class, they chose art and cinema. We did not discuss politics and none of the pain was reflected in their films."
Mahshid Zamani, the managing director of Documentary Voices, a social awareness initiative, said the workshop was a first for the UAE.
"Mr Kiarostami has often been voted among the most influential filmmakers of all time and not all of them can teach like him," she said. "His style is unique and poetic and he is passionate about passing on his knowledge."
The director, 70, has conducted many workshops before, but this was his first in the GCC.
"I am happy I accepted because these are among the best filmmakers I have worked with. I'm not judging this through their films only, but through their enthusiasm," Kiarostami said. "Films that have come out of this region are important because they concentrate on content not budget, and that is how I work."
Saleh Nass, who travelled from Bahrain to attend the workshop, described the knowledge he picked up as "liberating".
"Kiarostami has helped us overcome our fears in that we do not need to worry about budget, only the details of the story," he said. "I truly admire his films, which speak for themselves."
Another filmmaker who attended, Anyana Sundararajan, said the class fell silent the first time the director entered the room.
"Abbas Kiarostami is a huge inspiration because, through his films, he reveals new possibilities in filmmaking and storytelling," Ms Sundararajan said. "He showed me the importance of the visuals rather than just the conversation."
Kiarostami, a former winner of the Prix Roberto Rossellini Award at the Cannes Film Festival, has worked in the industry since the 1960s and most recently directed Juliette Binoche to a Best Actress win at Cannes for 2010's Certified Copy.
The film, about a novelist who meets a woman while promoting his book in France, was shot in Italy.
"I never really considered filming outside my country and used to focus all my energy in Iran," Kiarostami said. "If you are not deeply rooted in your country first, you will never fully branch out."