artBahrain.org

September 2012

MANAMA
CAPITAL
OF
ARAB
CULTURE
2012

Join artBahrain.org

September

News Highlights

DUBAI. UNDER THE patronage of the Ministry of Culture of Bahrain, 18 films by Gulf filmmakers were showcased at Cineco, Bahrain

City Centre from August 9-14 as part of Gulf Cinema Nights.

In line with the diverse agenda of Manama, the Capital of Arab Culture 2012, the week-long programme marked the first cooperation

agreement between the Ministry of Culture of Bahrain and the Gulf Film Festival (GFF). The partnership gave viewers a rare and

exciting opportunity to experience the creativity and imagination of the Gulf's filmmakers, both emerging and established.

The selected films, all of which have participated at GFF and the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), range from short films to

features and documentaries, and took the viewers on a unique journey through real and fictitious events of the past and present from

within a true GCC lens. Viewers at Gulf Cinema Nights were encouraged to examine both variances and similarities in the cultural

experiences depicted across the different films.

HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Culture of Bahrain, explained, "Film is an important element of

contemporary culture, always reflective of trends, beliefs and life patterns. I am very pleased at this partnership with the GFF as the

Ministry of Culture's ongoing commitment to multi-disciplinary learning and cultural exchange within the programme of Manama, the

Capital of Arab Culture 2012 is further extended through this initiative. The film nights present some of the best work of regional

artists and display raw Arab talent. The broad range of movies will give viewers a sense of pride in the evolution of the regional film

industry."

GFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma commented:"The Gulf Film Festival (GFF) is delighted to be associated with Gulf Cinema Nights.

The Festival's core aim is to develop a thriving film culture within the Gulf, nurture greater opportunities for filmmakers from the region

to present their films and secure support for future projects. Our partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Bahrain will take us closer

to realizing this vision and this selection of films has been carefully selected from our GFF and DIFF archives. GFF is an annual

showcase of the best of the region's film and we are proud to share our recent cinematic discoveries with Bahrain."

Manama also hosted a number of contemporary regional directors during the week of Gulf Cinema Nights including the well-known

Maitham Al Musawi, Meqdad Al Kout, Khalid Al Mahmood and Abdullah Al-Eyaf, in addition to internationally renowned film personality

and actor Hafez Ali Ali.

The Gulf Film Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and held in association with Dubai Studio City. Emirates

Airline, Dubai's flag carrier, is the presenting sponsor of the festival.

Ministry of Culture of Bahrain showcased regional talent in association with the Gulf Film Festival

Gulf Cinema Nights offered screenings of works by established and emerging Gulf filmmakers in Bahrain to celebrate excellence in regional cinema