Documentary festival from July 5

The region’s first film festival focusing exclusively on documentaries will premiere in Dubai this month. Around 20 thought-provoking documentary films on music, politics, war, peace and faith will be screened and reviewed during the event. The entries selected by a panel of eminent experts, the documentaries will be sourced from Arab countries, the US and Iran.

Organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (DCAA) and Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), ‘Documentary Voices: Pulling Focus’, will premiere in Dubai on July 5.

Documentary Voices: Pulling Focus will be inaugurated at 7:30 pm on 5 July to the tunes of Maestro Nader Mashayekhi and the Vienna-Tehran ensemble at the Dubai Knowledge Village. Running until 8 July, the event will feature a series of screenings and workshops that will see new and established filmmakers presenting and discussing diverse viewpoints on culture, society and development.

Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (DCAA) said, “As a hub for art and culture, Dubai is keen to create forums for artists to both showcase their talent and exchange ideas on their craft. Documentaries have created some of the most compelling perspectives of life and society in today’s world and through this festival we are seeking to raise the profile of documentary filmmaking in the UAE. “

The festival will be produced by Whetstone Productions (US) and Caspian Events (Dubai). Anisa Mehdi, Founder and President of Whetstone Productions will be the Artistic Director and Mahshid Zamani, CEO of Caspian Events, the Managing Director of the event.

Dr. Omar bin Sulaiman, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Managing Director of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (DCAA), said: “At their best, documentary films enhance our understanding and appreciation of social, economic and political issues and inspire change and action. Documentary Voices: Pulling Focus gives us a great opportunity to celebrate the art of documentary film-making. DCAA is supporting this event as part of our mission to promote events that drive the development of art and culture in our society.”

Anisa Mehdi, Artistic Director of Documentary Voices: Pulling Focus, said: “The event will provide a platform for presenting the works of established filmmakers while showcasing the freshness and originality of newcomers. It will also provide participants with rich networking opportunities and exposure to key industry contacts that can facilitate the relationships necessary for starting new projects.”